Jordi_Cruyff

Jordi Cruyff

Jordi Cruyff (officially spelled Jordi Cruijff in the Netherlands and often referred to as just Jordi), born February 9, 1974 in Amsterdam, is a Dutch/Spanish footballer who retired after playing for Metalurh Donetsk. He previously played for FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Celta de Vigo, Deportivo Alavés and RCD Espanyol. As an international, he has played for both the Catalan XI and the Netherlands. He is the son of Johan Cruijff.

Life and work

Early life

Although born in Amsterdam, Jordi spent his early life in Catalonia where his father was playing for FC Barcelona. He was allegedly named after Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia. In 1981, the Cruijff family returned to the Netherlands. Jordi's father introduced him to football from an early age, taking him to watch Ajax Amsterdam and encouraging him to join the Ajax youth training scheme at the age of seven. In 1988, when Jordi was fourteen, Johan Cruijff returned to FC Barcelona as manager and Cruijff junior followed him.

FC Barcelona

In 1992, Jordi made his debut for FC Barcelona B in the Segunda División, and two years later joined the senior team during a pre-season tour in the Netherlands where he scored hat-tricks against FC Groningen and De Graafschap. On September 4 1994, his father gave him his Primera Division debut in a 2-1 defeat away to Sporting Gijón. On November 2, he played against Manchester United in the Champions League and Jordi set up the first goal for Hristo Stoichkov as FC Barcelona won 4-0.

However, despite a positive start, Jordi’s time at FC Barcelona effectively came to an end when his father was sacked by Josep Lluís Nuñez. On May 19 1996, he played his last game for the club against Celta de Vigo at Camp Nou. Jordi inspired Barça to come back from 2-0 down to eventually win 3-2.

Manchester United

In August 1996, Jordi signed with Manchester United for a fee of £1.4 million. He debuted for the club on August 17 in a 3-0 win over Wimbledon, the opening fixture of the 1996/97 season and a game noted for David Beckham scoring from his own half. Cruyff then scored on his next two appearances, helping United to 2-2 draws against Everton and Blackburn Rovers. Despite missing much of the second half of the season due to a knee injury, he returned towards the end to help United clinch the Premiership title. An ankle injury in 1998 limited the amount of appearances he made and saw him lose his place in the team. In January 1999, he went on loan to Celta de Vigo and as a result missed out on Manchester United completing the treble. Jordi rejoined United for the 1999/2000 season and helped them win the Premiership once again. However, he failed to establish himself as a first team regular and played his final game for the club on May 14, 2000.

Return to Spain and final years

On leaving United, Jordi returned to Spain and signed with Deportivo Alavés. While at Alavés, he helped them reach the final of the UEFA Cup, playing his part in an epic match against Liverpool. Despite being 2-0 and then 3-1 down, Alavés embarked on a spirited comeback and Jordi’s goal in the 89th minute tied the game up at 4-4. However, an own goal in extra time saw Liverpool lift the cup. Jordi continued to play for Alavés until they were relegated at the end of the 2002-03 season. He returned the following season to Barcelona and joined RCD Espanyol. Upon his departure from Español, a return to England was mooted when Cruyff had a trial with Bolton Wanderers but Trotters manager Sam Allardyce decided against signing the Dutchman despite Jordi having impressed in friendly matches. From 2004 to 2006, he was semi-retired, keeping fit with Barcelona's B squad and playing in some veteran matches. Cruyff spent the 2007-2008 season playing in Ukraine with Metalurh Donetsk. He eventually entered the fashion business, helping develop the Cruyff clothing brand.

International career

Jordi has played as an international for both the Catalan XI and the Netherlands. He scored on his debut for the Catalan XI in a 5-2 win over FC Barcelona at the Nou Estadi on June 25, 1995. He also scored in a 5-0 win over Lithuania on December 22 2000 at Camp Nou. Altogether, Jordi has played 9 times for the Catalan XI, including two games against Brazil in 2002 and 2004.

His performances for FC Barcelona also persuaded Guus Hiddink to include him in the Netherlands team for Euro 96. Jordi subsequently made his debut for the Netherlands in a 2-0 defeat in a friendly against Germany on April 24, 1996. He scored his only goal for the Netherlands during Euro 96 on June 13 in a 2-0 win against Switzerland at Villa Park.