Jordi Cruyff
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jordi Cruyff | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jordi Cruijff | |
| Date of birth | February 9, 1974 | |
| Place of birth | Amsterdam, Netherlands | |
| Playing position | Midfielder | |
| Club information | ||
| Current club | Metalurh Donetsk | |
| Number | 77 | |
| Youth clubs | ||
| 1981–1988 1988–1992 |
AFC Ajax FC Barcelona C |
|
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1992–1995 1994–1996 1996–2000 1999 2000–2003 2003–2004 2004–2006 2006– |
FC Barcelona B FC Barcelona Manchester United → Celta Vigo (loan) Deportivo Alavés RCD Espanyol FC Barcelona B Metalurh Donetsk Total |
51 (16) 41 (11) 34 (7) 8 (1) 94 (7) 30 (3) ? (?) 28 (0) 271 (45) |
| National team2 | ||
| 1995–2004 1996 |
Catalonia Netherlands |
9 (2) 9 (1) |
|
1 Senior club appearances and goals |
||
Jordi Cruyff, officially spelled Jordi Cruijff in the Netherlands, (born February 9, 1974 in Amsterdam) often referred to as just Jordi, is a Dutch/Spanish footballer who plays 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.
Contents |
[edit] Life and work
[edit] 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. It must be noted that in the same year Jordi was born, Johan's club restored the original Catalan form of its name, Futbol Club Barcelona, after being forced to use the Spanish Club de Fútbol Barcelona for several decades, indicating that by that time, language policy had relaxed to some degree. In 1981 the Cruijff family returned to the Netherlands. His father introduced Jordi 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.
[edit] FC Barcelona
In 1992 Jordi made his debut for FC Barcelona B in the Segunda División. Two years later he made his debut for the senior team during a pre-season tour in the Netherlands, scoring 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.
[edit] Manchester United
In August 1996 Jordi signed for Manchester United for a fee of £1.4 million. He made debut 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.
[edit] Return to Spain and final years
On leaving United, Jordi returned to Spain and signed for 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 took the game to 4-4. However an own goal in extra time saw Liverpool lift the cup. Jordi continued to play for Alavés until then they were relegated at the end of the 2002-03 season. The following season he returned 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 him 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. As for 2007-2008 season he still plays in Ukraine, with Metalurh Donetsk. He entered the fashion business, helping develop the Cruyff clothing brand.
[edit] 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. During Euro 96, in a 2-0 win against Switzerland on June 13 at Villa Park, he scored his only goal for the Netherlands.
[edit] Honours
FC Barcelona
- Supercopa de España: 1
- 1994
Manchester United
- Premiership Champions: 2
- 1996-97, 1999-00
- Intercontinental Cup: 1
- 1999
- FA Charity Shield: 2
- 1996, 1997
Deportivo Alavés
- UEFA Cup
- Runners-Up 2001
[edit] Sources
- Barça: A People’s Passion (1998), Jimmy Burns. [1]
[edit] External links
- Jordi Cruyff FIFA competition record
- Netherlands stats
- Manchester United Career
- Jordi Cruyff profile and stats at Wereld van Oranje (Dutch)
