Max Verstappen has shared a poignant story about his meeting with the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, just weeks before the iconic figure’s passing.
Cruyff, who famously led Ajax Amsterdam and Barcelona to multiple national and European titles, revolutionized the sport with his exceptional skill and visionary style.
His impact extended beyond the pitch, shaping modern football tactics and philosophy. Regarded as one of the greatest players in history and as the greatest Dutch footballer ever, Cruyff was also the recipient of three Ballon d’Or awards.
Verstappen, who met Cruyff during a winter test in Barcelona in 2016, a year after his entry into Formula 1, remembers being deeply moved by the encounter.
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"He was always an inspiration to me, and I met him in 2016," the Red Bull driver told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
"He was already ill then and that makes me think more and more today. When someone is already not feeling well and still makes the effort to visit you at the track....That was incredible."
Verstappen was struck by Cruyff’s unwavering optimism, even in the face of his illness. The football legend shared a powerful message with the young racing driver in reference to his illness, a message that has stayed with Verstappen ever since.
"He said to me, and I will never forget it, 'I may be 2-1 down at halftime, but I am going to win this race.' He was optimistic and thought he would overcome the disease," Verstappen continued.
"Unfortunately, that was not the case."
In March 2016, Cruyff sadly passed away at the age of 68 from lung cancer. But the football legend undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Verstappen, forever shaping the three-time F1 world champion’s perspective on life and competition.
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