Remembering Cruyff, the legend, the great, respected by all, there's too many words that would define how epic the Dutchman was. His legacy will go on forever.

1. Cruyff-ism

Not only a legendary figure in the Netherlands for his football, but also a man full of wisdom, known for his peculiar quotes. His quotes are known as Cruyff-ism, a series of quotes that are obvious truths or uncertain ones, mostly quotes that everyone should know. His most quoted one-liner is “De bol is rond,” which means the ball is round.

"Every disadvantage has its advantage".

"You have got to shoot, otherwise you can't score."

"Sometimes something's got to happen before something is going to happen."

2. Ruling NASL

In 1979, at the age of 32, Cruyff landed in the United States, playing 2 years for the Los Angeles Aztecs and Washington Diplomats. Playing in America was an escape for Cruyff, at the time players like Pele and Beckenbaeur were having success in the American league and he wanted a piece of the action. In his short time in the states, he scored 25 goals and had 37 assists, Cruyff was voted NASL Player of the Year and led the Aztecs to the playoff semifinals.

3. La Masia/ Tiki-Taka

La Masia, F.C Barcelona's youth academy was essentially the child of Johan Cruyff, he proposed the idea of establishing a copy of the Ajax Academy, and in 1979 the proposal was accepted by president Josep Núñez. La Masia was a place where academy players would grow and have a better chance to be part of the senior team.

He also implemented the famed 'tiki-taka' style of play, which styles short passing and movement, and importantly maintaining possession. It's been associated with flair, creativity and touch. The likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta are some of Barcelona legends that came through the ranks in La Masia.

4. Barcelona/Ajax

From his playing career to his coaching career, Cruyff played for both clubs and coached them also.

He spent 9 years in Ajax which then he came back to the club at an older age where he spent 2 years. Went through the youth system and made his debut in 1964, his time at the club was praised as magical, coached by Rinus Michels, who taught him the philosophy of 'total football' where Cruyff spent year after year winning trophies. He also spent 5 years in Barcelona in which he was endeared by the Barcelona fans. During his time there he scored one of his famed goals 'The Phantom Goal', he was crowned the European Footballer Of The Year award during his time at the club also.

His coaching abilities were also brilliant to say the least, during his stint as Ajax coach where he implemented the 3-4-3 formation, he won two Dutch Cups and the European Cup Winner's Cup. His best moment as a coach were with FC Barcelona, there he formed his 'Dream Team'. Bringing the likes of Guardiola, Hagi, Stoichkov, Koeman, Laudrup and others in the team, they won four league titles successively between 1991 and 1994. With 11 trophies during his reign, Cruyff was Barcelona's most successful manager until Pep Guardiola.

5. His Legacy

In short, Johan Cruyff was and will always be a legend of the beautiful game. Winner of three Ballon d'Ors, a legend of Dutch football winning 8 Eredivisie titles and leading the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup Final, also a title with FC Barcelona in his first season. He was undoubtedly in the rank of the top five best players of the world, an inspiration to most professionals, he changed the game with his philosophy and accomplishments. A true legend of the game, and he will be missed dearly.

Rest in peace, Cruyff.