BARÇA’S GREATEST – Johan Cruyff

By Iain McMullen
Updated: 11 January, 2012

Arguably the most gifted footballer to have played for FC Barcelona, Johan Cruyff has also been one of the most influential people in the entire history of the Catalan club.

The Dutchman moved to Spain in 1973 after a dominant spell at Ajax where the Amsterdam club won three successive European Cups.

He was reunited with his former coach Rinus Michels at the Camp Nou and together they introduced a brand of ‘Total football’ that is still an integral part of the club today.

Cruyff was named La Liga’s best foreign player on two occasions during his time in Spain and also received the European Player of the Year award twice while at Barcelona.

He eventually moved on in 1979 after scoring 48 goals in 143 games for Barça, and finished his fantastic career playing for Feyenoord in his home country.

Cruyff made a triumphant return to the Camp Nou when he took over as coach in 1988, and went on to build a side that were known as ‘el Dream Team’ as they dominated all before them.

He delivered the holy grail of the European Champions Cup in 1992, when a Ronald Koeman free-kick sunk Sampdoria in extra-time, and by the time he decided to leave his post in 1996, Cruyff had become the most successful coach in club history.

Todays current all-conquering side owe a huge debt to Johan Cruyff and is influence on the club.

He played a key role in the development of La Masia – based on the legendary youth system at his former club Ajax, and his philosophy of football, today runs through the club stronger than ever.

The Dutch master has been as remarkable during his post-playing career, as when he terrified defenders up and down La Liga during the height of his powers.

BARÇA’S GREATEST – Johan Cruyff

Related Posts