Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Johan Cruyff dead: why Cruyff refused to wear the trademark three stripes of Adidas at the 1974 World Cup

The Dutch FA bowed to their captain's demand - and he wore two stripes on his kit

James Orr
Thursday 24 March 2016 11:25 EDT
Comments
Johan Cruyff pictured wearing his two-striped shirt during the 1974 World Cup
Johan Cruyff pictured wearing his two-striped shirt during the 1974 World Cup (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Footballing legend Johan Cruyff has passed away of cancer at the age of 68.

Back at the 1974 World Cup which was held in west Germany, Adidas was the kit supplier to the Netherlands football team, captained by Cruyff.

All his team-mates had the famous three stripes of Adidas on the sleeves of their orange shirt, but Cruyff had two.

This was because Cruyff was sponsored by rival brand Puma who supplied him with their iconic Puma King boots, and he refused to wear the three trademark Adidas stripes.

The Dutch FA bowed to Cruyff's demand, and allowed him to play in a bespoke kit with only two stripes.

The rest, as they say, is history.

What followed was Cruyff bringing the Cruyff turn to the world, total football, and the Netherlands finishing as runners up to the West Germany.

In that final, the Netherlands lost 2-1 to West Germany in Munich.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in