Cruyff: The Dutch Legacy Trivia Quiz

Answer: April 25, 1947

Johan Cruyff was born on April 25, 1947, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He grew up close to the stadium De Meer, at that time an important football stadium in Amsterdam.

Answer: Ajax

Johan Cruyff chose to join Ajax primarily due to its reputation as a prominent club in Amsterdam, known for its successful youth development system and progressive style of play. At the time, Ajax had a renowned youth academy that focused on nurturing young players in technical skills and tactical understanding.

The prospect of playing alongside talented teammates such as Piet Keizer and Sjakie Swart plus challenging for domestic and international honors also influenced Cruyff's decision to join Ajax. Ultimately, this choice proved instrumental in shaping Cruyff's career and propelling him to global prominence.

Answer: GVAV, Groningen

Johan Cruyff scored the only goal in his debut match against GVAV on 15th November 1964. He ended up on the losing side 1-3. He also scored a goal against PSV and two goals against MVV during that season, 1964-65.

Answer: Center-Forward

Johan Cruyff primarily played as a center forward throughout his career. He was known for his versatility and ability to play in multiple positions, including as a central midfielder or as a second striker.

Answer: 14

He wore the number 14 jersey for both Ajax and the Netherlands national team. The number 14 became iconic and closely associated with Cruyff, to the extent that it became synonymous with his name and legacy in the world of football.

Answer: Danny Coster

Johan Cruyff's wife's name is Danny Coster. They were married in 1968 and remained together until Cruyff's passing in 2016. They had three children; one son and two daughters - Jordi, Chantal and Susila. His father-in-law, Cor Coster, was his agent and mentor throughout his football career.

He played a significant role in shaping Cruyff's professional career, negotiating contracts, and guiding him through various business ventures.

Answer: September 1966

Johan Cruyff made his debut in a match against Hungary on 7th September 1966. He was 19 years old at the time. During his international career, Cruyff represented the Netherlands in a total of 48 matches, scoring 33 goals. He played a crucial role in the "Total Football" era of the Dutch national team during the 1970s, which emphasized fluid positional play and attacking prowess.

His skill, creativity, and leadership qualities were evident on the international stage, making him one of the most influential players of his time.

Answer: 10

Johan Cruyff won the Dutch championship (the Eredividie) with Ajax on nine occasions: 1966-1967, 1967-1968, 1969-1970, 1971-1972, 1972-1973, 1976-1977, 1978-1979, 1979-1980 and 1981-1982. He won the "double" with Ajax three times during his career. The "double" refers to winning both the domestic league championship and the national cup competition in the same season. Cruyff achieved this feat in the 1966-1967, 1969-1970, and 1971-1972 seasons.

He also won the Eredivisie with Ajax's archrival Feyenoord in the 1983-1984 season.

Answer: 218

Johan Cruyff scored a total of 218 goals in 314 appearances in the Eredivisie for Ajax and Feyenoord (1964 to 1984).

Answer: Rinus Michels

"Total Football" is a football strategy and philosophy that was popularized by the Dutch national team and, in particular, the Ajax team of the 1970s. It was associated with Rinus Michels, who coached both the Netherlands national team and Ajax during that era, with Johan Cruyff being one of the key players who epitomized the concept. The fundamental principle of Total Football revolves around the idea of interchangeability and fluidity among players on the field.

It requires high levels of technical skill, tactical understanding, and intelligence from the players to execute effectively.

The philosophy encourages attacking football, with an emphasis on possession, pressing, and quick transitions.

Answer: Barcelona

Johan Cruyff played for FC Barcelona from 1973 to 1978. He had a profound impact on the club during his time there. FC Barcelona won the Spanish Championship, known as La Liga in the 1973-1974 season.

Answer: Yes

Johan Cruyff did play for two American teams during his career. He joined the Los Angeles Aztecs in the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1979. Cruyff's time with the Aztecs was brief, but he made a significant impact and helped raise the profile of soccer in the USA.

After his stint with the Aztecs, Cruyff moved to the Washington Diplomats for the 1980 NASL season. Playing in the NASL provided Cruyff with the opportunity to bring his talents to American audiences and contribute to the growth of interest in soccer in the USA.

Answer: 1985, RBC Roosendaal

Johan Cruyff made his debut as a football manager for Ajax on 7th April 1985, against RBC Roosendaal. After retiring in 1984 as a player, Cruyff transitioned into coaching and took charge of the club where he had achieved so much success as a player. His debut as a manager marked the beginning of another chapter in his illustrious football career, where he left a significant impact on the coaching and managerial side of the sport.

Answer: Barcelona

FC Barcelona experienced tremendous success under Cruyff, winning four consecutive La Liga titles 1991-92-93-94 and the UEFA Champions League title in 1992. Cruyff's innovative tactics and emphasis on developing homegrown talents left a lasting impact on Barcelona and influenced the club's future successes.

Answer: lung cancer

Tragically, Johan Cruyff passed away on 24th March 2016, at the age of 68, following a battle with lung cancer. His death deeply saddened the footballing world, as he was widely regarded as one of the greatest players and influential figures in the history of the sport.

He is remembered for his remarkable playing style, his tactical insights, and his impact on the game's philosophy. He was honoured as European Footballer of the Year in 1971, 1973 and 1974. He was also nominated as the Best Player of the European Championship in 1974 (aka Euro 2004).