Who was the first Dutch player to become European footballer of the year?

The first Dutch player to be named European Footballer of the Year was Johan Cruyff. Cruyff was a legendary footballer who played for clubs such as Ajax and Barcelona, as well as the Dutch national team. He was known for his skill, vision, and intelligence on the pitch, and was a key figure in the development of the modern style of play known as Total Football.

Cruyff won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award in 1971, beating out the likes of Gerd Muller and Sandro Mazzola. He went on to win the award two more times in his career, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players of his generation.

In addition to his individual accolades, Cruyff also achieved success with his clubs and country. He won numerous league titles with Ajax and Barcelona, as well as the European Cup three times. He also led the Dutch national team to the World Cup final in 1974, where they were narrowly beaten by West Germany.

Cruyff's influence on the game of football extended beyond his playing career. After retiring, he went on to become a successful manager, most notably with Barcelona where he implemented his revolutionary style of play known as "tiki-taka." His legacy continues to be felt in the game today, with many of the top clubs and national teams around the world adopting his principles of play.

To learn more about Johan Cruyff and his impact on the game of football, you can visit the official Johan Cruyff Foundation website. Here you can find information about his career, his philosophy of play, and the work being done by his foundation to promote the sport around the world.

In conclusion, Johan Cruyff was the first Dutch player to be named European Footballer of the Year, and his influence on the game of football is still felt to this day. His skill, vision, and intelligence on the pitch set him apart as one of the all-time greats, and his legacy continues to inspire players and fans around the world.

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