JOHAN CRUYFF, HOLLLAND
Ajax Amsterdam, FC Barcelona
Los Angeles Aztecs (USA)
New York Cosmos (USA)
Levante (Spain), Feyenoord (Holland)
1966-77

A free-lancer on the field, Johan Cruyff is considered one of the game's premier players, and his played defined the beginnings of "total soccer". A center-forward in name only, he was known for his speed and ability to wander the field to dominate play. He created his own rules and the game followed him. In fact, the federation bent the rules to accommodate his then record-setting contract with Barcelona. His ability to absolutely dominate games was witnessed as Ajax won back-to-back Champions Cups in 1972-1973 versus Italian powers Internazionale and Juventus. His records and accomplishments are numerous: a hat-trick of European Footballer of the Year awards (1971, 1973, 1974); World Cup Finals in 1974; several more championships with Ajax and Feyenoord. Even in coaching he was a maverick, leading Ajax and Barcelona to numerous titles.