FC Bayern and the global footballing community are in mourning for Johan Cruyff, who died in Barcelona on Thursday at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. The Dutchman was widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. “Johan Cruyff was a magnificent person who will never be forgotten by the footballing family. In particular, he shaped Spanish and Dutch football like no other and provided magical moments for us all,” commented Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

“We have today lost a very special representative of football and we will miss him greatly,” the FC Bayern München chairman continued, “I’ve personally lost a good friend with whom I had many fantastic encounters and honest conversations. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Amsterdam-born Cruyff was a World Cup runner-up in 1974, winning the Golden Ball as the best player at that year’s tournament. He won the European Cup three times with his hometown club Ajax and was named European Footballer of the Year in 1971, 1973 and 1974; later he would also be awarded the accolade of European Footballer of the Century. As Barcelona coach Cruyff collected three European trophies and four Spanish championships.