Soccer Legend Johan Cruyff Passes Away

There are no words to adequately describe what Johan Cruyff did on the soccer field. Then again, in some ways, his impact off the field was as significant, resonating down through the years to today.

Regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Cruyff evolved into the personification of Total Football, a scheme devised by Ajax and Netherlands coach Rinus Michels. Cruyff became the perfect vessel for the fine wine Michels brought to the world stage – a player comfortable going forward with élan and tracking back with equal ferocity.

He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax from 1971, coached Barcelona to its first  European Cup triumph in 1992, and helped the Dutch reach the 1974 World Cup Final, where they were beaten, 2-1, by West Germany. He declined to play for the Dutch at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina because of the political situation in that country at the time. He was named the European Footballer of the Year three times.

“Words can hardly be found for this huge loss,” the Dutch FA said in a statement on Thursday. “The greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world's best ever. Our condolences go to his wife, family, friends, and the entire football world at home and abroad. We wish everyone a lot of strength in this difficult time.”

Cruyff succumbed to lung cancer and was surrounded by family and friends in Barcelona on Thursday.

At age 32, he joined the Los Angeles Aztecs in 1979 (scoring 14 goals) during the NASL’s Legendary Era after appearing for the Cosmos in a couple of exhibition matches. He moved to the Washington Diplomats in 1980 (10 goals) and played two seasons in the U.S. capital.

Perhaps the greatest honor for any player in any sport is having a move named after them. He gave the world the “Cruyff Turn” during a game against Sweden in the 1974 World Cup.

But perhaps his greatest influence came after his playing days when he signed on as the manager at Barcelona. His influence, emphasis on individual skill, and cerebral aspects of the game are still evident in Barcelona’s current style, which has taken the Catalan club to the top of the soccer world for the past decade.

"I had the honor of spending time with Johan on a number of occasions back in the 90s in Europe," NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson said. "He was always so gracious with his time and efforts. It was also obvious just how devoted he was to his family, and to them we send our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."