In the early 1970s, there was no better footballer in the world than Johan Cruyff. The Dutch striker was a scoring machine and playmaking magician for club and country. Recruited by Ajax’s developmental program at age ten, Cruyff debuted with the famed Amsterdam club in 1964 at age 17. In ten seasons, "The Flying Dutchman” netted 249 goals in 340 matches and won three European Cups (now UEFA Champions League) before joining FC Barcelona in 1973 for a then-record $2 million transfer fee. In his first season, the Catalan club won it first La Liga title since 1960. He then led the Netherlands to the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final and received the Golden Ball award (Player of the Tournament) on his way to claiming a third Ballon d'Or in four years. A fixture on the Dutch National Team from 1966 to ’77, Cruyff tallied 33 goals in 48 caps, and Holland never lost a single match in which he scored.

 In five seasons with Barça (1973-78), Cruyff tallied 60 goals and 83 assists in 180 matches. He later became FCB’s most successful manager in history with eleven trophies in eight years. In 1999, Cruyff was voted "European Player of the Century" by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics. In the latest IFFHS poll for the greatest footballers of all time, Cruyff ranked fifth behind Messi, Pelé, Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Featured here is a Johan Cruyff Netherlands National Team match worn and autographed jersey dating to 1971-73 most likely from international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers before Holland’s deep ’74 run in West Germany. The long-sleeved shirt comes in Holland’s solid white away style from the period. It has the classic Royal Dutch Football Association (Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond) lion crest in black silk-like fabric sewn on the left chest. Cruyff's iconic number "14" is sewn on the reverse in black. The thick cotton shirt manufactured by Umbro is properly tagged inside the collar (size L) and displays excellent match use characteristics with heavy pilling and light spot soiling. The Dutch legend has signed the front in black marker, giving the coveted piece of football history an outstanding display overall quality. Letters of Authenticity from MEARS for the jersey and PSA/DNA for the autograph.

The Football Scout Collection

This jersey comes from one of the most impressive vintage football jersey collections known to exist. Once a star amateur player, the collector worked as a scout for multiple clubs and national teams, prospecting young football talent across the globe. Through his experience and unique connections, he procured almost every item directly from players or kitmen.