Read an extract from ‘The Nearly Men: The Eternal Allure of the Greatest Teams That Failed To Win the World Cup’ by Aidan Williams.

Simon Kuper on documenting Barcelona’s successes and struggles.

Koeman was named as replacement for the sacked Quique Setien last week.

The FEF said in a statement that severance ‘terms have been agreed’.

How Bill Irwin from the Ards Peninsula in County Down ended up playing with and against football’s biggest stars.

Former Ajax and Nottingham Forest star Bryan Roy on working under Johan Cruyff, the tough transition to retirement and his new venture.

The ex-Liverpool star has been named in the Catalan side’s squad for Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Espanyol.

Frank Stapleton swapped Manchester for Amsterdam in 1987, played alongside Frank Rijkaard and kept Dennis Bergkamp out of the team.

Today would have been his 70th birthday.

The Dutch legend explains how he honed his skills on the streets of Amsterdam.

“Professional footballers are far more prepared these days, much stronger physically,” he added.

The Catalan giants were supposedly ready to sell the young midfielder because they considered him “scrawny and bad defensively”.

Today would have marked the Dutch master’s 69th birthday.

Fans and former players of the Eredivisie leaders honoured the famous number 14 in the club’s first home fixture since his death.

The Dutch legend tragically passed away on Thursday, leading to a number of suggestions on social media suggesting the Amsterdam ArenA be renamed in his honour.

The Dutch legend died from lung cancer yesterday.

Using Opta data, we take a look at the stats that tell the story of Johan Cruyff’s remarkable career.

Plans to honour Dutch legend at Friday’s international friendly.

It’s hard not to get emotional watching the legendary attacker in his pomp.

David Winner looks back on the genius of Cruyff and his role in the magnificent Dutch team of the 1970s.

The Dutch football legend has died aged 68.

Iconic moment at the 1974 World Cup at the heart of Cruyff’s brilliant legacy.

The 68-year-old was known for his philosophical take on football.

The former Barcelona and Ajax player and manager had fought a long battle with lung cancer.

Johan Cruyff and others who’ve attempted the audacious spot kick.

“I am sure that I will end up winning.”

The Dutch legend won three successive European Cups with Ajax.

Ahead of tomorrow night’s ceremony, we look at some of the greats who previously won the coveted prize.

The Italy international completed a €20 million move to Liverpool in the summer but has struggled so far and has been criticised by the former Ajax boss.

The Spaniard has blended tactics from Hungary’s great side of the 1950s and his all-conquering Barcelona team.

Also, the divisive Joey Barton talks Immanuel Kant while a NBA curiosity is remembered.

The former Ajax and Barcelona star turns 66 today.

“Madrid either win or they are left angry. There is no middle ground,” according to Dutch great Johann Cruyff.