Cruyff, winner of FIFA’s coveted Ballon d’Or in 1971, 1973 and 1974, was part of an Ajax team that lifted the European Cup on three consecutive occasions and also played for Spanish giants FC Barcelona, earning one La Liga and one Copa Del Rey title.

The Dutchman, who has a piece of skill named after him - known as the “Cruyff turn” - was a member of The Netherlands team beaten in the 1974 World Cup final 2-1 by Germany.

He scored 33 goals in 48 appearances for his country.

Following his retirement in 1984, he embarked on a successful career in management, coaching Barcelona to four successive La Liga crowns from 1991 to 1994 and guiding the Catalan club to their first-ever European Cup triumph in 1992.

After he was sacked in 1995, he remained influential at Barcelona.

Cruyff underwent double heart bypass surgery in 1991 and became iconic in the management world for sucking a lollipop when he was in the dugout as a substitute for cigarettes.

The Amsterdam-born star was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 but remained confident he would beat the illness.

He also established the Cruyff Foundation in 1997, which has helped thousands of children, including those who are disabled, get active through sport.

Tributes to Cruyff have poured in from around the footballing fraternity, including from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, UEFA chief Michel Platini and former England and Barcelona striker Gary Lineker.

“Johan Cruyff was a magnificent player, one of the greatest players the world has ever known," Infantino said in a statement.

"Cruyff was a symbol of elegant play.

“An inspiration.

“A source of admiration for fans.

“He has marked football history forever.

"I'm very saddened by his death.

“He will be terribly missed.

"Both personally and on behalf of FIFA and the world football community, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to his family and friends."