The 30 best players in World Cup history
By James Dudko
9. Johan Cruyff, Netherlands
The only player on the list to play in just one World Cup, Cruyff had to make the cut. Not only was he the shining beacon of 1974’s memorable tournament. He was also the poster boy for the Total Football revolution the Netherlands imprinted on the sport’s global consciousness during the decade.
A true free spirit, Cruyff was the liberating catalyst for both Ajax and his national side. Both enjoyed their greatest eras with the lanky, loping magician in their ranks.
Cruyff wowed the world with his artful interpretation of the beautiful game as the Netherlands strutted to the final in ’74. He was on the losing side as a great West German team came back after the original Dutch master had won an early penalty.
Yet it’s Cruyff and his teammates who are remembered more fondly, thanks to the way they championed purity over pragmatism.
Cruyff’s vision, trademark turn and wonderful wanderlust challenged conventions about positions and structural discipline on the pitch. His subtle freelancing, more akin to jazz than soccer, showed European powers a more fluid approach could work at the highest level.
Cruyff and his performances in 1974 defined an era. While he didn’t travel to Argentina four years later, the signature style he’d fostered was evident as the Netherlands reached a second-straight final.
No list of this kind would be credible or complete without the player who not only flouted the rules, but redefined them.