Johan Cruyff, a Dutch football legend, was voted the greatest European soccer player of the 20th century, and the second best in the world. He began his illustrious career with Ajax Amsterdam, leading the team to four European finals, winning three of them in 1971, 1972, and 1973.
In 1973, Cruyff joined Barcelona, signing a record-breaking contract worth 6 million guilders. He quickly became a beloved figure, earning the nickname "el Salvador," and restored pride to the club and the region of Catalonia. One devoted fan was so grateful that he gifted Cruyff a mountain retreat outside Barcelona.
With the Dutch national team, Cruyff revolutionized the sport by introducing the concept of Total Football in 1974. Although the Netherlands lost the World Cup finals to Germany, the experience left a lasting impact on the team and the nation.
After retiring from professional football, Cruyff returned to the pitch due to poor investments. He joined his first team, Ajax, on a lucrative contract, and in his first game against Harlem, he scored an incredible goal, silencing his critics. Two years later, he joined their arch-rivals, Feyenoord, and led the team to the Dutch championship. Cruyff eventually retired from active play.
Years later, he returned to his first love, Ajax, as a coach, winning the European Cup Winners' Cup before being fired after a disagreement with the club's president. However, his true second love remained Barcelona, where he coached the team for several years, securing their first European Champions League title and four Spanish league championships.
