Johan Cruyff Father of Modern Day Soccer Dies Aged 68

Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff  has died at the age of 68, five months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

“On March 24, 2016 Johan Cruyff died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer,” a statement on the soccer legend's website reads. “It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”

Johan Cruyff was a Football Genius who changed the game for good. A sensational footballer!

R.I.P Legend! ❤️�� https://t.co/L84bLzoViK

— Manchester United© (@Magic_Memphis) March 24, 2016

Cruyff did it all first...https://t.co/yYqzVKtvEB

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) March 24, 2016

Sad news about Johan Cruyff. Football icon, revolutionary, genius. RIP.

— Adam Lanigan (@AdamLanigan) March 24, 2016

Cruyff represented Holland 48 times and enjoyed highly successful stints with European powerhouses Ajax and Barcelona during the 70s and 80s. He went on to manage both clubs adding to his bountiful trophy collection. 

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner, Europe’s highest individual prize for a soccer player, had been fighting lung cancer but said last month he was feeling "very positive" after undergoing treatment.

Johan Cruyff...He was so good they named a turn after him! #Legend ⚽ pic.twitter.com/DG8hhIf5ft

— Ali (@ChocMilkSheikh) 24 March 2016