Johan Jordi Cruijff is a Dutch football coach and former player. Cruyff is the son of Dutch former player and manager Johan Cruyff. Under his stewardship as Maccabi Tel Aviv's sports director, the club has enjoyed a successful period, becoming a dominant force in Israeli football. The team won consecutive league titles from 2012–2015, as well as regularly qualifying for the Europa League and Champions League. As a footballer, he played from 1992 through to 2010, his list of clubs include Barcelona and Manchester United. He earned nine caps for the Netherlands national football team, playing at UEFA Euro 1996, and he won the Premier League title in 1997 while at United. Jordi played mainly as an attacking midfielder, although he could also perform as a second striker. In his later years, notably with Metalurh Donetsk, he also played as a centre back. After starting his career with Barcelona and playing for the Netherlands aged 22, Cruyff's career stalled while at Manchester United, as he appeared just 36 times in the league over four years due largely to injuries. His most successful period was arguably with Deportivo Alaves, whom he led to the 2001 UEFA Cup Final. He also played for Celta Vigo, RCD Espanyol and finished his playing career with Valletta in the Maltese Premier League. On 8 August 2018, Cruyff was appointed as the manager of Chinese Super League side Chongqing Dangdai Lifan. |
