Football in mourning: Dutch ‘legend’ Johan Cruyff dies after lung cancer battle

Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch football striker and coach, has died of lung cancer. The 68-year-old died in Barcelona, surrounded by family, according to a message on his website. As a player, Cruyff was the embodiment of Dutch “total football”, a fluid style of play focused on ball possession and rapid passing, and involving all members of the team in both attack and defence. Cruyff, who played for Ajax and Barcelona and went on to manage both clubs, was diagnosed with lung cancer last October.

RIP Johan Cruyff. Your legacy will live on forever.

Lionel Messi

He emerged as one of the world’s greats in the early 1970s when he helped Ajax Amsterdam win three European Cups in a row from 1971 to 1973 He was also named European Footballer of the Year three times. He joined Barcelona for a then-world record transfer fee of $2 million and it was the Catalan club that later defined his coaching career as he led them to their first La Liga title in nearly 15 years in 1974. Cruyff, who was a heavy smoker until having heart surgery in 1991. Last month he said he felt he was 2-0 up and winning his battle with lung cancer.

Terrible news that Johan Cryuff has passed away. One of the greatest players ever, a true giant in our game, he will be sadly missed.

Peter Schmeichel, former Manchester Unted and Denmark goalkeeper

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