Soccer community honors Johan Cruyff after Dutch legend’s death

The soccer community shared memories and tributes of Johan Cruyff on Twitter.

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Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff died of lung cancer at the age of 68 on Thursday. 

Cruyff was a three-time Ballon d’Or winner and won three straight European Cups with Ajax. He spent time as a member of the Dutch national team, where he led the team to its first ever World Cup final in 1974. He also played for Barcelona, which he later managed to its first European Cup victory in 1992.

Cruyff underwent double bypass surgery in 1991. Afterwards, he quit smoking and resorted to sucking lollipops in the Barcelona dugout.

• SI VAULT – Cruyff brings his greatness to the NASL

FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued the following statement in response to Cruyff’s death: 

“Johan Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of the greatest players the world has ever known. A symbol of elegant play. An inspiration. A source of admiration for fans. He has marked football history for ever. I'm very saddened by his death. He will be terribly missed. Both personally and on behalf of FIFA and the world football community. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

The worldwide soccer community mourned the loss of one of its stars on Twitter, with many athletes posting tributes to Cruyff.

[VIDEO] Gràcies Johan https://t.co/LH6cQvU65z

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 24, 2016

Johan Cruyff was a great player and coach. He leaves a very important legacy for our family of football. pic.twitter.com/b2VuTjDZuu

— Pelé (@Pele) March 24, 2016

"You play footballs with your head and the legs are there to help you"
R.i.p. @JohanCruyff #thebeautifullgame pic.twitter.com/y0nsTtsWOu

— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) March 24, 2016

You were a genius as a player and as a coach, we won't forget you, Johan. RIP. https://t.co/93hArNgOe0

— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) March 24, 2016

So much respect and admiration for what you have achieved in your life for football. RIP Mr Cruyff #legend

— Olivier Giroud (@_OlivierGiroud_) March 24, 2016

Grazie Genio / Thank you genius#Cruyff pic.twitter.com/tN967Vph4p

— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) March 24, 2016

Nos deja una leyenda y un referente para todos los que amamos el fútbol. Descansa en Paz #JohanCruyff pic.twitter.com/IY05dci7wF

— Andrés Guardado (@AGuardado18) March 24, 2016

Fue un honor tenerte como entrenador. Gracias por todo lo que has hecho por el barcelonismo. RIP Johan Cruyff pic.twitter.com/GGGO1k04sS

— Sergi Roberto (@SergiRoberto10) March 24, 2016

Gracias por todo lo que diste al fútbol Johan Cruyff. Descansa en paz. pic.twitter.com/jHwKtwCKL6

— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) March 24, 2016

Sad news about Johan Cruyff. #RIP🙏🏻 #johancruyff

— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) March 24, 2016

Rip Johan Cruyff #legend #14

— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) March 24, 2016

Very sad news about the death of legend Johan Cruyff. What an amazing player, Coach, teacher and person he was:https://t.co/fwXNRlB3IO

— J_Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) March 24, 2016

Noticia triste para el mundo del fútbol. Mi pésame para su familia y amigos. D.E.P Johan Cruyff pic.twitter.com/ERlJNmDcHc

— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) March 24, 2016

The '14' will never be the same. RIP Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/OZxbF4Z0kO

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 24, 2016

It is with great sadness that we've learnt of the death of Johan #Cruyff. Words cannot express the loss we feel. #14 pic.twitter.com/mt7XAM9GLE

— KNVB (@KNVB) March 24, 2016

We are saddened to hear of Johan Cruyff's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/PgsenQcVyx

— England Football (@EnglandFootball) March 24, 2016

Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 24, 2016

Terrible news that Johan Cryuff has passed away. One of the greatest players ever, a true giant in our game, he will be sadly missed. RIP

— Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) March 24, 2016

Today we regret the death of the great leader Johan Cruyff. My feelings to the family of this eternal legend. pic.twitter.com/DSqnCNWOon

— Ronaldinho (@10Ronaldinho) March 24, 2016

A genius is gone, but his legacy will remain forever... RIP Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/byuVxTZ4pj

— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) March 24, 2016

One of the greatest football players ever passed away. Rest in peace, Johan Cruijff! https://t.co/MOx6Du9flV

— Daryl Janmaat (@daryljanmaat89) March 24, 2016

A legend has passed away. My deepest respect. I am grateful for the inspiration he gave me pic.twitter.com/sjsR0mUVIL

— Wesley Sneijder (@sneijder101010) March 24, 2016

Deeply saddened by the death of my best coach and good friend. Thanks for everything. Forever in our heart. pic.twitter.com/DnMWxydiAn

— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) March 24, 2016

L'herència que deixes és eterna. Gràcies Johan. https://t.co/urXr9OM6Yl

— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) March 24, 2016

I am shocked. Johan #Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend but also a brother to me. pic.twitter.com/aCKwDjIx9Z

— Franz Beckenbauer (@beckenbauer) March 24, 2016

Nos deja alguien que marcó un antes y un después en la historia del fútbol. #DEP Johan Cruyff pic.twitter.com/jMNqOTIFSE

— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) March 24, 2016

Descansa en paz Johan Cruyff pic.twitter.com/vqtR2HWmdA

— Dani Carvajal Ramos (@DaniCarvajal92) March 24, 2016

The news of Cruyff’s death was announced on his official website on Thursday morning.