Netherlands footballing great Johan Cruyff has died of cancer aged 68.
Cruyff, who made his name as a forward with Ajax and Barcelona, was European footballer of the year three times.
He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax from 1971, coached Barcelona to their first European Cup triumph in 1992 and helped the Dutch reach the 1974 World Cup final, where they lost 2-1 to West Germany.
The Dutch FA said: "Words can hardly be found for this huge loss."
It added that Cruyff was the "greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world's best ever" and wished everyone "a lot of strength in this difficult time".
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands said the country had "lost a unique and brilliant sportsman".
He added: "He was a Dutch icon. He belonged to us all."
Holland's friendly against France on Friday will stop after 14 minutes for a minute-long silence in tribute to Cruyff, who wore number 14 as a player.
Never grew up with him but a fucking legend with great goals and skills that deserves respect. RIP Johan the creator of the Cruyff turn
Source:Johan Cruyff: Netherlands great dies of cancer aged 68
Cruyff, who made his name as a forward with Ajax and Barcelona, was European footballer of the year three times.
He won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax from 1971, coached Barcelona to their first European Cup triumph in 1992 and helped the Dutch reach the 1974 World Cup final, where they lost 2-1 to West Germany.
The Dutch FA said: "Words can hardly be found for this huge loss."
It added that Cruyff was the "greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world's best ever" and wished everyone "a lot of strength in this difficult time".
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands said the country had "lost a unique and brilliant sportsman".
He added: "He was a Dutch icon. He belonged to us all."
Holland's friendly against France on Friday will stop after 14 minutes for a minute-long silence in tribute to Cruyff, who wore number 14 as a player.
Never grew up with him but a fucking legend with great goals and skills that deserves respect. RIP Johan the creator of the Cruyff turn
Source:Johan Cruyff: Netherlands great dies of cancer aged 68
