Cruyff's gift to soccer was a revolutionary approach where players were encouraged to play attacking soccer without being tied down to a role or formation.

He made his debut for Ajax in the Dutch league at 19. In his premier year itself, he emerged the top scorer. From thereon, there was no looking back. He was voted "European Footballer of the Year" thrice, having been part of the winning squad. A natural winner, however, he was on the losing side when Holland made it to the finals of the 1974 World Cup.

He may have served his country longer, had it not been for his spats with the Dutch FA. After an illustrious career as player, he fashioned league and European title victories for Ajax and Barcelona as manager.