Johan Cruyff changed football forever, leaving an enormous influence on the sport ten years after his passing.

## How did Johan Cruyff change the game?

As a player, Johan Cruyff was a revolutionary, helping to change the game on the pitch under the guidance of Rinus Michels.

He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax and was the soul of that team.

Johan Cruyff's playing style was unique, with no fixed position, and he could reshape the team's structure with his intelligence.

## What was "Total Football"?

The Dutch coach Rinus Michels instilled in him the idea of "Total Football", a style that turned Ajax into the dominant force in Europe during the 1970s.

This style of play was characterized by constant movement, positional interchange, high pressing, and attacking aggression.

Johan Cruyff's reading of the game was extraordinary, and even Michels realized that nothing could be restricted with him.

## How did Johan Cruyff's influence extend beyond the pitch?

Johan Cruyff's influence extended beyond the pitch, as he asserted his influence off it, including a sponsorship deal with Puma in 1974.

He refused to wear the traditional jersey of Adidas with the three black stripes on the sleeves of his number 14 shirt, leading to a special jersey being produced exclusively for him.

## What was Johan Cruyff's legacy as a coach?

As a coach, Johan Cruyff's influence was just as decisive, revolutionizing FC Barcelona with the creation of the famous Dream Team, which won the club's first European Cup in 1992.

His vision was often questioned, but he was almost always proven right, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of football.

Johan Cruyff's impact on modern football is still felt today, with many teams and coaches drawing inspiration from his unique playing style and revolutionary approach to the game.

The Netherlands national team's run to the final of the 1974 World Cup, led by Johan Cruyff, is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in football history.

Johan Cruyff's three Ballon d'Or awards, won in 1971, 1973, and 1974, are a testament to his incredible talent and influence on the sport.