Johan Cruyff – FC Barcelona, Ajax and Netherlands legend – lost his battle to lung cancer last Monday at the age of 68, but will remain in the hearts of all soccer fans worldwide.

Ajax - Early Career

Johan Cruyff began his youth soccer career in Ajax at the age of 10. His first appearance with the club’s first team was in 1964, but established himself as a regular first team player in the 1964-1965 season. In 240 appearances with Ajax, Cruyff scored 190 goals which helped Ajax to conquer three consecutive European Cup titles, seven Eredivisies, four KNVB Cups, one UEFA Super Cup and one Intercontinental Cup.

FC Barcelona - Mid-Career

After that, he signed with FC Barcelona in a world record transfer fee deal of approximately US $2 million. With Barcelona he scored 48 goals in 143 appearances and is still remembered as one of the top players in the club's history. Pictures of his fabulous flying back-heel goal against Atletico Madrid in 1973 remain in the FC Barcelona Museum located in Nou Camp, and is also remembered as one of the most spectacular goals ever seen.

1974 World Cup - Pique of Career

Cruyff only played one World Cup (1974) in which he led Netherlands to the final against West Germany. With their "Total Football," the Oranje started off 1-0 after a penalty kick committed to Cruyff that Johan Neeskens was able to put away. In the second half, West Germany was able to overcome the 1-0 deficit and scored two late goals that gave them the World Cup title. This 1974 Netherlands team remains to be considered as one of the best soccer national teams that never won a world cup.

Coaching - Post Career

At the age of 38, he moved on to coaching and started at Ajax where he was able to win two Dutch cups. In 1988, he retuned to Barcelona where he made a major impact. In 1992, Cruyff led FC Barcelona to their first ever European Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria at the Wembley Stadium thanks to Ronald Koeman's overtime goal.

Impact in Josep Guardiola's career

In an interview with Catalan radio RAC 1, Josep Guardiola mentioned the impact that Cruyff had in his career.

“I knew nothing about football until I met Johan Cruyff,” Guardiola said.

The former FC Barcelona and now FC Bayern Munchen coach explained how sometimes while he is coaching he asks himself "what would Johan do?" to solve a situation.