Johan Cruyff was one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. He was born in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, and began⁠ playing for his local team, Ajax, in the early 1960s. Cruyff was an attacker and from the start it was obvious that he was brilliant. Playing Total Football, he helped Ajax win three European Cups on the trot, in 1971, 1972 and 1973. They were an unbelievable team.⁠ Cruyff also helped Holland reach the 1974 World Cup final. And it was in a group game against Sweden during the tournament that Cruyff made the footballing world’s jaw drop, its eyes pop out of its head and just about everyone say, ‘Oh my goodness, did you see that?!’⁠ ⁠ In December 1971 Cruyff won his first Ballon d'Or (and then went onto win 2 more). ⁠ ⁠ This story comes from 50 Times Football Changed the World, written by @GaryLineker and Ivor Baddiel - illustrated by @ericasalcedoillustration, which you can learn more about in the link in our bio!