Johan Cruyff, who helped make Barcelona what it is today, dies at 68
The Barca legend died on Thursday.
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1 min read
The world of soccer lost a big one on Thursday. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, a figure who changed and influenced the game in many ways, passed away at the age of 68.
Cruyff, from Amsterdam, played for big clubs such as Ajax and Barcelona, while also playing in the United States in the former NASL with the Los Angeles Aztecs, the Washington Diplomats and even some exhibition games with the New York Cosmos. He won the Ballon d'Or three times and is widely considered to be the best European soccer player that ever lived.
We'll always love you, Johan. Rest in peace
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 24, 2016
https://t.co/OOKLgPnAyv
Cruyff, outside of being a fantastic player, was also known for inventing the penalty pass, passing a penalty kick to a teammate, while also for his signature move.
Cruyff had been battling lung cancer.
From WorldofJohanCruyff.com:
"On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It's with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family's privacy during their time of grief."
To know just how good Cruyff was, consider these words spoken by Cesar Luis Menotti, the former Argentina and Barcelona coach.
"There have been four kings of football -- [Alfredo] Di Stefano, Pele, Cruyff and [Diego] Maradona -- and the fifth has not yet appeared," he said. "We are awaiting the fifth, and it is sure to be [Lionel] Messi, but so far he is not among the kings."
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