One of the best players of all time, former FC Barcelona player (1973-1978) and coach (1988-1996), Hendrik Johannes Cruijff known as Johan Cruyff celebrates his 65th birthday today.

His brilliance helped him to win worldwide recognition and the Golden Ball award three times (1971, 1973 and 1974). Cruyff signed for FC Barcelona in August 1973 and was immediately called the Saviour . Using his brilliant technique and intelligence, he helped Barça win the league in 1973-74 – the first time in 14 years. Fans will always remember images of the goal he scored against Atletico Madrid in Camp Nou and the famous 0-5 victory over Madrid at the Bernabeu in 1974. In 1988, he returned to the club as coach and started one of the best eras in the history of the club: winning 4 league titles among other and winning the European Cup for the first time at Wembley in 1992 with the ‘Dream Team’. Cruyff then left the club in 1996. In 1999, Cruyff was voted European Player of the Century in an election held by the IFFHS, and came second behind Pelé in their World Player of the Century poll. Cruyff is currently the manager of the Catalan national team.

totalBarca wishes Johan all the best for 2012 and hopes that he continues to draw the best from the players in Catalan national team.