Johan Cruijff, the greatest Dutch football player of all time, was born and bred in Amsterdam. We’ve made a selection of the places in city that were most important in the life of ‘El Salvador’. And naturally there are 14 stops, in honour of his iconic shirt number. You might be more familiar with the international version of the name, Cruyff, but here on the hero’s home turf, it’s the original Dutch spelling that you’ll see. The route is based on the book 'Het Amsterdam van Johan Cruijff' ('The Amsterdam of Johan Cruijff') by Sytze de Boer.
With thanks to the Johan Cruyff Foundation and Uitgeverij Nieuw Amsterdam.
The Cruijff family home and greengrocer’s, where Johan spent his early years.
After the death of Johan’s father Manus, the family had to move to this house.
One of the many Cruyff Courts in the world, but perhaps the most special to Johan.
The former primary school attended by Johan and brother Henny.
In the neighbourhood where Ajax’s former stadium De Meer once stood, there are many historical references.
The neighbourhood where Ajax players Keizer, Hulshoff and Suurbier once lived – and Cruijff was a regular visitor.
The academy enables students to combine top-level sport with fulltime academic study.
Cruijff used to play here with Marco van Basten, particularly when he was recovering from an injury.
This is where the Johan Cruyff foundation has its offices, and where Johan used to drop in to the local snack bar.
The Johan Cruyff Foundation provides opportunities for young people to take part in sports and play.
The Johan Cruyff Institute offers courses in sports management, marketing and coaching.
The first minute of the 1974 World Cup final captured in a statue.
Cycle back towards Stadionplein and turn right towards the Total petrol station. Continue in this direction until you pass directly under the Amstelveenseweg metro station. Lock up your bike in the parking area and take metro 50 to station Bijlmer ArenA. Alternatively, you can take your bike with you on the metro outside of rush hour (Mon-Fri 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:30). Please note that you must pay a supplement for your bike.
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