Football
ESPN staff 8y

Barcelona reveal Johan Cruyff tribute plans for Clasico vs. Real Madrid

Barcelona have announced plans for a number of tributes to the late Johan Cruyff ahead of Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid.

Netherlands, Ajax and Barcelona legend Cruyff died last week at the age of 68 after suffering from lung cancer.

Cruyff won La Liga and the Copa del Rey during his five years as a player at the Camp Nou, before managing the club in 1988 and leading them to four league titles and their first ever European Cup during his eight years in charge.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner also lay the foundations for Barca's heavy focus on youth development and defining a style of play that ran through all levels at the club.

Barca are to face their fierce rivals Real at the Camp Nou this weekend in what will be the club's first match since Cruyff died.

The Liga champions revealed the details of their plans on the club's official website.

A statement read: "A mosaic of 90,000 cards shall bear the message 'Gracies Johan,' which shall be repeated on the shirts of the Barca players, where the world champions logo normally features.

"Both teams will enter the field with children wearing shirts with the same message, 'Gracies Johan,' as well as the names of the Cruyff and FC Barcelona Foundations on the back.

"The match will also be attended by all of the living former presidents of the Catalan club, namely Agusti Montal, Raimon Carrasco, Josep Lluis Nunez, Joan Gaspart, Enric Reyna, Joan Laporta, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu.

"The game will also be preceded by a minute's silence in honour of Johan Cruyff, including the projection of a video tribute to the great man's career."

On Tuesday, a Barcelona fans group leader said would like the club's soon-to-be redeveloped Camp Nou stadium to be renamed after Blaugrana legend Cruyff.

^ Back to Top ^