Tributes pour in as the soccer world mourns Dutch legend Johan Cruyff
After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff died at the age of 68 on Thursday.
Cruyff was named the world player of the year three times throughout a storied career and guided the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974 before spending eight years at the helm of Barcelona.
Tributes poured in on social media as former teammates and current players of the Dutch national team, and other prominent figures in the sport took to social media to recognize the man that pioneered 'Total Football.'
It is with great sadness that we've learnt of the death of Johan #Cruyff. Words cannot express the loss we feel. #14 pic.twitter.com/mt7XAM9GLE
— KNVB (@KNVB) March 24, 2016
I am shocked. Johan #Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend but also a brother to me. pic.twitter.com/aCKwDjIx9Z
— Franz Beckenbauer (@beckenbauer) March 24, 2016
We'll always love you, Johan. Rest in peace
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 24, 2016
https://t.co/OOKLgPnAyv
Very sad news about the death of legend Johan Cruyff. What an amazing player, Coach, teacher and person he was:https://t.co/fwXNRlB3IO
— Jürgen Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) March 24, 2016
Grootste voetballer allertijden is niet meer. Bedankt voor al het moois wat je ons hebt gegeven.R.I.P⚽14 pic.twitter.com/9UP8fZTkG6
— Frank&Ronald de Boer (@FrankRonald1970) March 24, 2016
— Memphis (@Memphis) March 24, 2016
A legend has passed away. My deepest respect. I am grateful for the inspiration he gave me pic.twitter.com/sjsR0mUVIL
— Wesley Sneijder (@sneijder101010) March 24, 2016
Muchas gracias por todo lo que le diste al fútbol, al Ajax y al Barça. DEP, Johan. pic.twitter.com/LjmgDnRhLN
— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) March 24, 2016
Deeply saddened by the death of my best coach and good friend. Thanks for everything. Forever in our heart. pic.twitter.com/DnMWxydiAn
— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) March 24, 2016
Se va un ídolo,un histórico,una leyenda! DEP Johan. pic.twitter.com/lbEDlHVznH
— David Silva (@21LVA) March 24, 2016
Grazie Genio / Thank you genius#Cruyff pic.twitter.com/tN967Vph4p
— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) March 24, 2016
A genius is gone, but his legacy will remain forever... RIP Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/byuVxTZ4pj
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) March 24, 2016
The '14' will never be the same. RIP Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/OZxbF4Z0kO
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 24, 2016
Such sad news about @JohanCruyff. A great man, who transformed football. Condolences to his family and friends.#legend #totaalvoetbal
— Lothar Matthäus (@LMatthaeus10) March 24, 2016
"YOU were too great to ever be forgotten . . . " R.I.P. Johan Cruijff My sincere condolences to… https://t.co/txpp8Ny9vS
— Patrick Kluivert (@PatrickKluivert) March 24, 2016
Nos deja otra leyenda.Another legend has left us today.- LIO
Posted by Leo Messi on Thursday, March 24, 2016