Dutch soccer legend Johan Cruyff has died of cancer at the age of 68.

Johan Cruyff, who made his name as a forward with Ajax and Barcelona, was European soccer player of the year three times.

The soccer icon won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax from 1971, coached Barcelona to their first European Cup triumph in 1992 and helped the Dutch reach the 1974 World Cup final, where they were beaten 2-1 by West Germany.

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The Dutch Football Association said: “Words can hardly be found for this huge loss.”

It added: “The greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world’s best ever. Our condolences go to his wife, family, friends and the entire football world at home and abroad. We wish everyone a lot of strength in this difficult time.”