According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona and Ajax will play a special tribute match in honor of Johan Cruyff on Sunday, November 15, at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
The event aims to commemorate the Dutch legend and coach, a pivotal figure in the history of both clubs, who passed away on March 24, 2016. Both clubs hope this match will continue Cruyff's legacy.
The chosen date also holds special significance, as November 15, 1964, marked Cruyff's debut for Ajax's first team. All proceeds from the match will be donated to the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which supports and develops sports programs for children in need.
Many players who have played for both Ajax and Barcelona and left their mark on the history of both clubs will participate in this match. Confirmed players include Patrick Kluivert, Frank de Boer, Ronald de Boer, Phillip Cocu, Roger García, Bojan Krkić, and Richard Witschge. Albert Ferrer will coach the Barcelona legends team.
Additionally, Wesley Sneijder, Edwin van der Sar, Siem de Jong, and Jan Vertonghen have also confirmed their participation. The organizers announced that more players will be announced in the coming weeks, so the list of participants is expected to grow before the event.
The connection between Ajax and Barcelona dates back to the 1970s when Johan Cruyff became the first player to transfer from Ajax in Amsterdam to Barcelona. Since then, a total of 27 players have worn the jerseys of both clubs.
In 1970, Johan Cruyff and his wife Danny visited Barcelona and Camp Nou, an occasion organized by RB magazine.
Johan Cruyff's influence remains a significant part of the identity of both Barcelona and Ajax clubs. In Amsterdam, Ajax's home stadium is named after him; in Barcelona, there is the Johan Cruyff Stadium, a venue for developing future stars.
On the tenth anniversary of Cruyff's passing, both clubs want to once again highlight the profound impact this Dutch legend left on football. His philosophy and understanding of the game are still evident in the work of generations of players and coaches, who continue to embody Cruyff's football philosophy on and off the field.
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