Cruyff: The Bright Star of Dutch Football
Extraordinary Achievements, Eternal Legends
As a representative of Dutch soccer, Cruyff was awarded the title of European Footballer of the Year three times, and led the Dutch team to the second place in the World Cup and the third place in the European Cup. After his retirement, he devoted himself to the coaching career, and also made great achievements, and was regarded as a legendary superstar in the world soccer world. In the "Greatest Dutchman" in 2004, he came in sixth place, right behind Erasmus.
Addicted to cigarettes and died young
Cruyff had a smoking problem that led to severe damage to his heart and lungs, and eventually died on March 24, 2016 at the age of 68 from lung cancer. He was the earliest famous player to pass away at the 1974 World Cup final.
Jersey No. 14: The Lucky Choice
Another iconic feature of Cruyff is his beloved number 14 jersey. Prior to the 1990s, players did not usually wear jerseys with a specific number, but rather it was decided by the coach before a match. Cruyff initially wore No. 9, but after he temporarily donned No. 14 in a 1970 match, Ajax narrowly won 1-0. Since then, he has stuck with the number 14 shirt and used the number with the national team as well. Even at the 1974 World Cup, he insisted on wearing number 14 instead of the alphabetical number 1. On his 60th birthday, Ajax announced the permanent retirement of his number 14 shirt.
Career Review
1964-1973: Ajax (Netherlands)
1973-1978: Barcelona (Spain)
1979: Azteca, Los Angeles (United States)
1980-1981: Washington Diplomats (United States)
1981: Levante (Spain)
1981-1983: Ajax (Netherlands)
1983-1984: Feyenoord (Netherlands)
Above is a brief description of Dutch soccer legend Cruyff. For more data and information, stay tuned to this site.
