The death of soccer’s ‘savior’

Barcelona Dutch coach Johan Cruyff looks on as he is surrounded by photographers after his team, FC Barcelona, won a European tournament match. Photo courtesy of Reuters

Jerome Socolovsky | March 25, 2016

He was nicknamed “The Savior,” compared to Jesus and considered “God’s gift to football.”

Johan Cruyff, the Dutch soccer star considered a genius of the game and one of the world’s all-time best players, died Thursday (March 24) at age 68 after a battle with lung cancer.

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Part of Cruyff’s mythical status came from his ability to see opportunities on the field that normal mortals couldn’t. But he was also known for his down-to-earth attitude and blunt pronouncements. He once criticized the practices of devoutly Catholic Spanish players.

“In Spain, all 22 players make the sign of the cross before they go on the field. If it works, all matches must therefore end in a draw,” he said, describing himself as “not religious.”

That widely quoted statement earned him a place on lists of the world’s top atheist athletes.

http://www.religionnews.com/2016/03/25/cruyff-soccer-savior-god-faith/