3 times Ballon d'Or winner! OTD in 2016, Barca legend Cruyff passed away

On this day 4 years ago, Holland football legend Johan Cruyff died of cancer at the age of 68. The Dutchman, who on three occasions was voted the world player of the year, guided Holland to the World Cup final in 1974 and as a manager he spent eight years in charge of Barcelona.

“On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer. It’s with great sadness that we ask you to respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief,” read a statement on the World of Johan Cruyff website.

“With great sadness we have learned of the death of Johan Cruyff. Words are not enough,” wrote the Dutch football federation on Twitter. Ajax issued a short statement that read: “Johan Cruyff has died in Barcelona at the age of 68. The greatest Ajax player of all time had suffered with lung cancer since October last year. Ajax share in this great loss and wish the families much strength.”

Cruyff's stats & major honors in his career:

702 apps

402 goals

48 caps

33 goals for the Netherlands

3x Ballon d'Or

3x European Cup

9x Eredivisie

1x La Liga

1x UEFA Super Cup