Over 70 representatives from Cruyff Education attended the premiere of “Cruyff”, a new four-part documentary about the legendary footballer
On the evening of Saturday, March 21, 2026, the Johan Cruyff Arena was almost completely full for the premiere of “Cruyff“, a four-part docuseries that presents the legendary footballer in a whole new light. More than 40,000 visitors watched the first two episodes on large screens.
Among the attendees were icons from the football world, as well as around 70 representatives from Cruyff Education, who came together to honor Johan Cruyff’s academic legacy. Ten years after his passing, his legacy remains more relevant than ever.
Jordi Cruyff with team managers, directors, and board members of the Dutch Cruyff Education academic network.
Cruyff Education: 25 years preserving Johan Cruyff’s academic legacy
Ahead of the main event, team managers, directors, and board members of the Cruyff Education academic network in the Netherlands came together in the Johan Cruyff Arena, to showcase national and international achievements. With 25 years of experience in innovative education, Cruyff Education has grown into a center of expertise that goes far beyond supporting elite athletes, offering programs that help talents reach their full potential through the combined power of sports and education.
Supporting the dual careers of student-athletes remains at the heart of Cruyff Education, but its expertise, teaching methods, and approach extend far beyond this core. The principles behind ‘Get Smarter, Perform Better’ are applicable to teams, leadership, and strategic development alike. Johan Cruyff’s philosophy resonates perfectly with the concept of lifelong learning, offering valuable insights not only for educational institutions but also for sports professionals, executives, and other audiences seeking continuous growth.
Milica Zolak, team manager of Johan Cruyff Academy Amsterdam, said: “Our vision for the future can be summed up in Johan Cruyff’s words: ‘You only see it when you get it.’ Recent developments are bringing us closer to both elite athletes and sports professionals, in part thanks to the new Cruyff Education Hub in Heerenveen, and the upcoming hub at Papendal.
“We provide a clear philosophy of learning and development through a unique approach that truly nurtures and grows all talent”.
40,000 visitors watched the first two episodes of ‘Cruyff’ on large screens in the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.
Carole Thate, interim manager of Johan Cruyff Institute NL and General Manager of The World of Johan Cruyff, added: “The Cruyff Education concept is supported by a large national and international network within a growing sports industry, that is becoming increasingly important. It’s no longer just about top performance on the field, but also about the impact you can have off the field.”
“Through Cruyff Education, we provide an innovative solution that supports lifelong learning—something we can all be proud of. This gives us confidence for the future”.
After a team photo with Jordi Cruyff, the group mingled with other guests in the Buenos Aires room of the Johan Cruyff Arena, before joining about 50 teachers of Cruyff Education in the stands, to enjoy the opening show, including interviews with Jordi Cruyff, Ronald Koeman, and Ruud Gullit, and to watch the first two episodes of the docuseries on the large screens on the pitch.
