{"id":44022,"date":"2024-05-24T11:15:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-24T09:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cruyffalumni.org\/johancruyffinstitute-2026\/the-25th-anniversary-of-cruyff-education\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T20:43:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T18:43:43","slug":"the-25th-anniversary-of-cruyff-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/johancruyffinstitute.cruyffalumni.org\/en\/the-magazine\/sport-marketing\/the-25th-anniversary-of-cruyff-education\/","title":{"rendered":"The 25th anniversary of Cruyff Education, a tribute to the academic legacy of Johan Cruyff"},"content":{"rendered":"

On May 14, the 25th anniversary of Cruyff Education was celebrated at the Jaap Edenbaan in Amsterdam, attended by the Dutch academic network and Jordi Cruyff<\/h2>\n

By virtue of Johan Cruyff’s initiative<\/a> in 1999 to start with Cruyff Education, elite athletes have been able to study alongside their sports careers. Thousands of them have had the opportunity to become well prepared for a productive future, maximizing their potential in both sports and academic fields. The 25th anniversary of Cruyff Education<\/strong>, also known as the Academic Legacy of Johan Cruyff<\/a>, was celebrated on May 14th at the Jaap Edenbaan<\/strong><\/a> in Amsterdam. The event was attended by approximately 200 current and former teachers, managers, staff members, and partners from the Dutch academic network, as well as many alumni<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Milica Zolak<\/strong>, team manager of Johan Cruyff Academy Amsterdam<\/a> where it all started, said: \u201cIt is a wonderful milestone that we have successfully guided top athletes for 25 years, enabling them to obtain a bachelor\u2019s degree. We are proud of our alumni, who, with their sporting spirit, now make professional contributions to both the sports industry and other fields. As a team, it is incredibly fulfilling to continue Johan’s beautiful legacy, embracing all his wisdom and vision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything that has emerged from my father\u2019s legacy, including Cruyff Education, has been connected to his own life and experiences\u201d \u2013 Jordi Cruyff<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The event included a festive section featuring sporting clinics and activities, a barbecue, and a DJ, spread out across the grounds of the Jaap Edenbaan. It commenced with a plenary session at the ice rink itself, hosted by Viggo Waas<\/strong> and Peter Heerschop<\/strong>. “The era when athletes would open a cigar shop after their careers were over ended forever with the arrival of Johan Cruyff Academy<\/a> in 1999, and you have all contributed to that,” said Viggo. He and Peter then invited Jordi Cruyff<\/strong> onto the stage and the three of them reminisced about Johan Cruyff. “Everything that has emerged from my father’s legacy, including Cruyff Education, has been connected to his own life and experiences,\u201d explained Jordi. “He never had the opportunity to pursue an academic career and could be quite strict with us about school, emphasizing discipline and respect for teachers. Most importantly, he believed it was crucial for my sisters and me to have a ‘plan B’. He was determined about that and always told us to do our best at school.”<\/p>\n