Remembering a legend: Top 5 Johan Cruyff moments

The football world lost a legend Thursday with the death of Johan Cruyff.

Similar to his playing career, news of Cruyff's passing has had a profound impact on the football world.

Prominent personalities throughout the sport offered their condolences and took time to remember Cruyff's unprecedented maneuvers on the pitch, which today's stars continue to emulate.

The outpouring of emotion is a clear indication of the everlasting influence Cruyff had on football during a career that saw him lift countless trophies and revolutionize the game.

Here's Cruyff's top five moments from his illustrious career:

5. Cruyff humiliates Real Madrid defenders (1973)

The list of eye-popping moments is endless, but, for Barcelona supporters, Cruyff's trickery to get past Real Madrid's defence may top the list. With his side up, Cruyff's surge into the box led to a series of touches the caused Real Madrid defenders to drop like flies as he created enough space to score en route to a 5-0 drubbing.

(Courtesy: jairotoya)

4. Two-touch wonder goal vs. Haag (1972)

"Before his time" is a phrase that best describes Cruyff thanks to the treasure chest's worth of tricks and skills he introduced to football. Perhaps one of Cruyff's most iconic plays was his combination of deft touch and lethal finish against Den Haag in 1972, when he baffled a defender with an insane touch before running toward the net and firing an unstoppable curling shot over the 'keeper.

(Courtesy: jaja76)

3. Lethal volley flick vs. Atletico Madrid (1974)

Cruyff's ability to improvise appeared to come naturally as he performed moves on the fly that simply can't be taught on the training ground. This aspect of his game was probably best exemplified by his ludicrous goal for Barcelona in 1974, when he soared through the air before connecting with a cross and gently flicking it into the Atletico Madrid goal.

(Courtesy: ItalianBarcaFan)

2. The Cruyff penalty (1982)

The Cruyff penalty has been mimicked by many, but conquered by few (See: Robert Pires). While, on the surface, it looks like a relatively simple play, few can replicate Cruyff's smooth execution. As Cruyff went to take a penalty during his second spell with Ajax in 1982, the Dutch superstar caught defenders completely off guard when, rather than shoot, he tapped the ball to his left for his teammate to smash into the net beyond a confused Helmond side.

(Courtesy: bakkieboy)

1. Cruyff Turn (1974)

A move in which the end product is anything but a goal rarely lasts the test of time. Yet Cruyff's ability to amaze and make opponents look foolish is the primary reason the "Cruyff Turn" is woven into the fabric of the sport. With one simple move, Cruyff endeared himself to football fans worldwide when he completely fooled his Swedish marker.

(Courtesy: Bob Marley)