There are moments in life you never forget. Moments when almost everyone remembers exactly where they were when they heard the news. March 24, 2016 was one of those days.
Johan had been ill for some time but his passing still came as a shock to many. Today marks exactly 10 years. 10 years without new memories together, yet with his presence still felt every single day.
How do you move forward without someone who played such a defining role in the Cruyff Foundation? Without his energy, his ideas and his sharp vision? It felt unreal that he would no longer simply walk into the office. That it became quiet at the kitchen table where the idea for the Cruyff Courts was once born. His presence at our sports projects for children with a disability. It was in those moments we truly realised how special he was.
And yet, something remarkable happened. People stood up. People continued. Together, we decided to carry on what he started.
Even now, we often ask ourselves, what would Johan have done? His way of thinking, his simplicity and his conviction guide us every day. As Jordi beautifully said, “Football was his life, the foundation his heart.” That is exactly how we feel.
Over the past 10 years, the Cruyff Foundation has achieved so much. We would have loved to share that with him. At the same time, it sometimes feels like he is still watching over us, at exactly the right moments. When a full week of rain is forecast for an Open Day and just as the children enter the Olympic Stadium, the sun breaks through. Coincidence is logical.
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Dear Johan, every day we hear stories from people about what you meant to them. You saw everyone. Whether it was a CEO or an intern, everyone received your attention.
Together with your family, our ambassadors, volunteers and partners, we continue. With the same passion, the same belief and always with children at the heart.
We continue what you started.
