This terrific biography...well-researched, well written David Winner
Deeply researched...nicely written, and manages to get inside Cruyffs very bizarre head Simon Kuper

Argumentative, brilliant, arrogant, visionary. Johan Cruyff was one of the greatest footballers of all time, a worldwide phenomenon and arguably the most famous Dutchman of the twentieth century. Both on the pitch and from the sidelines as a coach, with his brand of Total Football he changed how the game was played and left a lasting legacy.

Although Cruyff led a large part of his illustrious career and life in the spotlight, in many ways Cruyff the man and sportsman is still a complete mystery.Based on years of extensive research, this biography the first to cover all aspects of Cruyff's life and work, from his key influence in the greatAjax and Netherlands sides of the 1970sto his role in creating the modern footballing phenomenon that isBarcelona.

Drawing on hundreds of interviews with friends from his childhood and school, coaches, teammates, on-pitch opponents, business associates and family members, Auke Kok has written thedefinitivebiographyof the skinny impish street footballer that became the genius player, inspirational manager, football philosopher and commercial pioneer that was Johan Cruyff.