Soccer Fan Club

Hendrik Johannes Cruijff (Cruyff) born in Amsterdam 1947, was known for his technical ability : his mesmeric ball skill, sudden accelerating the speed with the ball, changing direction with ball and his tactical insights make him one of the most gifted footballers of all time.

He joined Ajax when he was 10, but the first team debut came when he was 17 years old. And his goalscoring International debut at 19. He used to play in Centre Forward position. His trademark Jersey #14 and was often seen in the midfield and on the wings using his pace and touch to such effect.

It was his luck that he could not win a cup or tournament with his team but his name is written alongside with the best football players of his generation like Garrincha, Pele, George Best and Franz Beckenbauer. He had good precense of mind and two magical feet. He used to play wide on the left or drift in through the middle and run rings round defenders. He took Holland through round after round famously beating Brazil in the last group match. Johan scored Holland’s second and decisive goal in a 2-0 victory. Even though Holland lost the final to West Germany it was the start of a new era in International football. As a Dutch international he played 48 matches, in which he scored 33 goals.
Clubs (played for):-
Ajax Amsterdam (1964-73)
FC Barcelona (1973-78)
Los Angeles Aztecs (1979)
Washington Diplomats (1980-81)
Lavante UD (1981)
Ajax Amsterdam (1981-83)
Feyenoord (1983-84)

Award Won:
1) 3 times winner of European Footballer of the Year award (1971, 1973 and 1974).
2) In 1999, European Player of the Century by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics).

Comments about cruyff:

- “Pelé was the best, but after him comes Johan. He is the best player Europe ever produced” — Franz Beckenbauer

- “Johan Cruyff was my idol. He is the best player I have seen in my lifetime” — Michel Platini

Click here to watch some classic moments:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2f4qBrl5WE&search=cruyff .