"It’s difficult to overstate the importance of the Dutchman to Holland, to Barcelona, to the game of football. his vision sculpted the Barcelona of today, he brought a way of playing with him from Ajax and the Dutch national team, and Barça made it their own. Total Football became tiki-taka.

"Without Cruyff we wouldn’t have Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, or even Pep Guardiola.The club has changed the game but it was Cruyff who changed the club."

A tribute written by Kenneth Browne of Spanish sports newspaper AS, external.

Image source, Getty Images

Jimmy Armfield
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, The Johan Cruyff Foundation

In 1997 the Cruyff Foundation, external was formed, with the aim to give more children the opportunity to play together through sport, while making a contribution to health, quality of life, and values.

Cruyff explained recently: "I was living in the United States. We had a neighbour, a boy with Down's syndrome, who was always alone, watching the other kids playing and having fun. 

"One day, I taught him how to head and shoot a ball. Some time passed, and once, when I came home from an away game I found him playing football with the rest of the kids in the neighbourhood. I realised that for this boy, who had been marginalised up until now, sport had changed his life completely."

"Yes, we’ve spoken to the boy," said Dumbarton manager Sean Fallon was asked, in January 1980, if it was true that the club were attempting to sign Johan Cruyff.

Read the remarkable story of that mooted move here, external

Steve Bower
Match of the Day commentator

My six year old was only showing me his 'Cruyff' turn yesterday. RIP  

Former Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert has paid tribute to Johan Cruyff on Instagram., external

 "YOU were too great to ever be forgotten . . ." said Kluivert.

Image source, Patrick Kluivert

Brian Still: I saw Johan Cruyff at Portman Road in 1977. I was 12 and he took a throw in a matter of feet away from me. I was in awe. RIP.

Alan Anderson: Saw him play against Rangers in first Super Cup in January 1972 aged 11 magical.

AEssof: My favourite player of all time. He inspired a boy from Zimbabwe to fall in love with football. 

Keep sending in your memories of Johan Cruyff and if you ever met the great man and have any pictures we would love to see them.

Tweet us #bbcsportsday.

Former England captain David Beckham on Instagram:, external "My thoughts and love are with the friends and family of not just one of the best footballers in the history of the game but also one of the greatest men and nicest person you could meet ... The game lost a true hero today. Rest In Peace."

Image source, Getty Images

Tameena Hussain: I remember playing football as a kid & using the BBC website to learn & master the Cruyff turn. A man who changed the game.

Paul Gibbens: Favourite memory - the one time I saw him play 'live', for the outstanding Ajax side in 1971 European Cup at Wembley.

Liam: Once saw Cruyff make a cameo at Bergkamp's testimonial back in 06. I was only 12 but still felt in awe. Legend.

Jon Boot-Handford: Hopefully Cruyff is having a kickabout with the likes of Moore, Eusebio and others up there - maybe a Cruyff turn or two.

Richard Conway
BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Interviewed Cruyff a few years ago and he was a gentleman. Giant of the game. RIP.  

Dutch Football Federation president Michael van Praag said: "We have lost our best soccer player ever, our number 14 and our football friend. We are devastated by Johan's death, he brought the Dutch football to greater heights and the KNVB are eternally grateful, personally I say.... Johan, my friend, I miss you. "