Fifty years on, the name lives on through one of football’s most inspirational pieces of genius. On June 19, 1974, in the 24th minute of Holland’s World Cup Group match with Sweden, the Cruyff turn was born. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff produced an instinctive piece of skill to glide past Swedish defender Jan Olsson.
Cruyff feigned a pass before dragging the ball behind his standing leg, turning 180 degrees and then accelerating away. There have been players who claimed to have done it before and many who have used it since. Pele in 1960.
Or Hal Robson-Kanu’s amazing goal for Wales in Euro 2016. But it is forever known as the Cruyff turn because no-one has done it quite like the Dutch master himself. And that’s the beauty of it.
It lives on through the modern game and a whole new generation know it through video games who do nothing else but call it the Cruyff turn. Just imagine being so good, being so special, that a turn done instinctively - and that is exactly how it happened - could live on 50 years later. That is the mark of one of football’s all-time greats and is exactly why his son, Jordi, takes so much pride in his father’s legacy.
It also helps the Cruyff Foundation live on and thrive because his name is so powerful that his family can champion projects and sport for children regardless of their race, religion, background or ability. Jordi, 50, the former Manchester United and Barcelona winger, says he is “super proud” that his father’s legacy and nam.
