RIP Johan Cruyff: April 25, 1947 - March 24 2016.
Born in Amsterdam, Holland, Hendrik Johannes Cruijff (Cruyff) was one of the most famous exponents of the football philosophy known as Total Football explored by Rinus Michels for Ajax of Amsterdam and KNVB. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was described as 'Pythagoras in boots' for the complexity and precision of his angled passes. He played with such grace, technique, accuracy and vision but his temper was sometimes volatile and his opinion was always available. His football theories, and his way of expressing himself became popularly known as 'Cruijffiaans'. His most famous one liner is a mix of brilliant insight and simple logic: 'Ieder nadeel heb z'n voordeel' ('every disadvantage has its advantage').
He was effortlessly glorious both on and off the pitch. A leader, philosopher, innovator and agitator in equal measure, he was simply a genius and this is reflected in our classic ‘Pythagoras in Boots’ design. To pay a fitting tribute to the great man, we have released ‘Pythagoras’ across a suite of colours that are synonymous with teams where his reputation was forged, and where his legacy and seismic impact continue to reverberate to this day.
'Few have been able to exact, both physically and mentally, such mesmeric control on a match from one penalty area to another.'
David Miller (acclaimed sports writer)
'Voetbal is simpel, maar het moeilijkste wat er is, is simpel voetballen. (Football is simple, but the hardest thing there is, is to play simple football.)'
Johan Cruyff
£20.00
