Barcelona - Johan Cruyff, one of the greatest footballers of all time who dazzled with his artistry, died on Thursday at the age of 68 after losing a battle with lung cancer, prompting an avalanche of tributes from around the sports world.
Some of the sport's legends said the Dutchman - who epitomised the all-out attack Total Football system - was the best-ever player.
Cruyff "died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with cancer", said a statement on Cruyff's official website.