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Johan Cruyff reportedly diagnosed with cancer

Chuck PenfoldOctober 22, 2015

Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff is reported to have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Cruyff won numerous titles and awards both as a player and later as a coach. He is known for his role in revolutionizing the sport.

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Niederlande Johan Cruyff
Image: Getty Images/AFP/K. van Weel

The report that the 68-year-old Cruyff had been diagnosed with lung cancer was carried on several Spanish media outlets on Thursday.

According to Radio Catalunya, the former Ajax, Barcelona and Dutch national team player was given the diagnosis on Tuesday and further tests were to be conducted to determine the right course of therapy.

Cruyff, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to lace up the boots, began his career with Ajax of Amsterdam, where he was part of eight Eredivisie-winning sides, and captured three European Cups.

After moving to Barcelona, he helped his new club win La Liga in his first season, while also being named European Footballer of the year.

At the 1974 World Cup, he led the Netherlands to the final in Munich, where they were defeated 2-1 by their West German rivals.

NASL swansong

He wrapped up his playing career in North America, spending a season each with the Los Angeles Aztecs and the Washington Diplomats of the old NASL.

Cruyff later also enjoyed much success as a manager of Ajax and later Barcelona, where he won three European Cups and four Spanish league titles.