The Cruyff Era (1974–1980)
The Dutch master who redefined football as player and manager.
Hendrik Johannes Cruijff (25 April 1947 – 24 March 2016), internationally known as Johan Cruyff, was a Dutch professional football player and manager. Regarded as one of the greatest players in history and as the greatest Dutch footballer ever, he won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974. Cruyff was a proponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football, developed by Rinus Michels, both as a player and a manager.
Quick Facts
- Head coach (both finals)
- Rinus Michels (1974), Ernst Happel (1978)
Lore & Background
After finishing third in UEFA Euro 1976, Cruyff refused to play in the 1978 FIFA World Cup after a kidnapping attempt targeting him and his family in their Barcelona home led to his retirement from international football.
Reader's Guide
Cruyff's international career ended after the 1974 World Cup, where he led the Netherlands to the final and received the Golden Ball. He did not participate in Euro 1976 or the 1978 World Cup. The era label 'The Cruyff Era (1974–1980)' is misleading because Cruyff had already retired from international football after 1974.
Did You Know?
- He led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final, their first appearance in 36 years.
- He founded the Johan Cruyff Foundation in 1997 to help disadvantaged children.
More in Team History & Eras
Elsewhere in Netherlands National Team
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