This article first appeared on ESPN FC on April 16, 2014 as part of our All-Time Top 20 players.
Name: Hendrik Johannes Cruyff
Nationality: Netherlands
Position: Striker/Attacking midfielder
Clubs: Ajax (1964-73), Barcelona (1973-78), Los Angeles Aztecs (1979-80), Washington Diplomats (1980-81), Levante (1981), Ajax (1981-83), Feyenoord (1983-84)
International career: 48 matches, 33 goals.
World Cup participation: 1974 -- Played 7, Scored 3
Finest World Cup moment: Scoring volleyed goal vs. Brazil that took Netherlands to 1974 final
Roll of honour: Runner-up 1974
Johan Cruyff almost certainly ranks as the finest player to fail to win the World Cup trophy.