Johan Cruyff passes away: Twitter pays tribute

FC Barcelona and Holland legend Johan Cruyff lost his battle with lung cancer today after being first diagnosed in October 2015. Sadly, although Cruyff’s most recent update had been positive, describing him as “2-0 up in the battle with cancer,” the Dutch icon, for whom the Cruyff turn was named, passed away in Barcelona “surrounded by family and friends.”

The sporting community reached out in condolence on Twitter. Here's what they said:

Johan Cruyff was as much a pioneer in football as David Bowie was in music. His impact on the game was that extraordinary.

— Musa Wakanda (@Okwonga) March 24, 2016

Very sad news about the death of legend Johan Cruyff. What an amazing player, Coach, teacher and person he was:https://t.co/fwXNRlB3IO

— Jürgen Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) March 24, 2016

Rest in peace Johan Cruyff. Football has lost a legend. pic.twitter.com/cSDkxBJ8zn

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 24, 2016

Everyone at West Ham United is saddened by the news of the passing of @KNVB legend Johan Cruyff #RIP #Cruyff pic.twitter.com/Hf3ftGcMac

— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) March 24, 2016

Johan Cruyff will forever be immortal in football thanks to this. pic.twitter.com/gCHehp3DEF #RIPJohanCruyff

— Sportskeeda Football (@SK_Football) March 24, 2016

Johan Cruyff: So good they named a turn after him. RIP.pic.twitter.com/YpyzVICP9m

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) March 24, 2016

Rest in peace, Johan Cruyff. pic.twitter.com/hdsems6j5g

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 24, 2016

Shocked by the news Johan Cruyff passed away. The Legend of Holland, Rest in Peace

— Giedo van der Garde (@GvanderGarde) March 24, 2016

1/2 RIP Johan Cruyff, true football royalty. I don't think anyone has ever influenced the game as much as he has done. #JohanCruyff

— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) March 24, 2016

2/2 We have all been touched and inspired by his vision and his believes. Football will miss him but we will never forget. #JohanCruyff

— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) March 24, 2016

Goodbye to one of the all-time legends of football. Player and coach ahead of his time. RIP Johan Cruyff.

— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) March 24, 2016

RIP Johan Cruijff

— sophie-marie kumpen (@sophiekumpen12) March 24, 2016

UEFA is saddened to learn of the death of legendary player, coach and administrator Johan Cruyff, aged 68…1/3 pic.twitter.com/UbXyKgfMvH

— UEFA (@UEFA) March 24, 2016

It is with great sadness that we've learnt of the death of Johan #Cruyff. Words cannot express the loss we feel. #14 pic.twitter.com/mt7XAM9GLE

— KNVB (@KNVB) March 24, 2016

Sad to hear that Johan Cruyff has died. Football has lost a man who did more to make the beautiful game beautiful than anyone in history.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 24, 2016

I am shocked. Johan #Cruyff is dead. He was not only a very good friend but also a brother to me. pic.twitter.com/aCKwDjIx9Z

— Franz Beckenbauer (@beckenbauer) March 24, 2016

Everybody at #mufc is saddened to hear of Johan Cruyff’s passing – he was a true football legend. https://t.co/O4NOkn6Kwy

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 24, 2016

We always will remember @JohanCruyff as a real legend. (1947-2016) pic.twitter.com/8BcjKCc1ay

— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) March 24, 2016