Why compare Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels?

Rinus Michels was a Dutch football coach and a key figure in the development of the 'Total Football' philosophy. He was a rival and a mentor to Johan Cruyff, and their intense rivalry was a defining feature of the Dutch national team's success in the 1970s.

Johan Cruyff

Key numbers

  • Goals scored193
  • Games played518
  • Trophies wonover 1,000
  • Years played1964-1984
  • Teams played forAjax, Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Feyenoord

Top honours

  • Ballon d'Or1971, 1973, 1974
  • Eredivisie6 titles
  • European Cup3 titles
  • Intercontinental Cup1 title
  • FIFA World Cup runner-up1974
VS

Rinus Michels

Rinus Michels is a leading contemporary in the sport — head-to-head meetings with this athlete are among the most closely followed in the era.