About Johan Cruijff Hendrik Johannes Cruijff; born 25 April 1947), commonly known as Johan Cruyff, is a former Dutch footballer and manager. He was named European Footballer of the Year three times (1971, 1973, 1974) which is a record jointly held with Michel Platini, and Marco van Basten. Cruyff was the most famous exponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football, explored by Rinus Michels and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.After his retirement from playing in 1984, Cruyff became highly successful as manager of AFC Ajax and later FC Barcelona; he remains an influential advisor to both clubs. His son, Jordi, also went on to play football professionally. In 1999, Cruyff was voted European Player of the Century in an election held by the IFFHS, and came second, behind Pelé in their World Player of the Century poll. He came third in a vote organised by the French weekly magazine France Football consulting their former Ballon d'Or winners to elect their Football Player of the Century.