Jordi Cruijff on Learning Dutch from His Father: ‘Still Dealing with It’
Amsterdam, Netherlands – March 19, 2026 – Jordi Cruijff, the current technical director of Ajax, revealed a unique aspect of his upbringing: learning Dutch from his legendary father, Johan Cruijff. Despite never attending a Dutch school, Cruijff credits his father with instilling the language in him, a fact he jokingly acknowledges still impacts him today. The revelation came during a recent interview with Het Parool, as reported on March 18, 2026.
Born in Amsterdam in 1974, Jordi Cruijff’s life took a transatlantic turn just a week after his birth when his family relocated to Barcelona. He spent a significant portion of his formative years in Spain, attending a Spanish school, which became his primary language. English would later become his second fluent language, adding to his multilingual skillset. This early linguistic environment shaped his identity, creating a fascinating blend of cultures and languages.
However, the Dutch language remained a constant presence in his life. “At home, we spoke Dutch and we had Dutch television,” Cruijff explained. “Learning Dutch from my father, that was, of course, very special.” The influence of Johan Cruijff extended beyond football; he actively cultivated a connection to his homeland through language and culture within the family.
Cruijff’s father, Johan, was renowned not only for his unparalleled footballing ability but also for his distinctive and often philosophical pronouncements. Jordi playfully admits that he continues to feel the effects of his father’s linguistic influence. “I still deal with it,” he laughed, hinting at the unique phrasing and expressions he likely absorbed growing up.
The conversation with Het Parool also touched upon the upcoming tenth anniversary of Johan Cruijff’s passing on March 24, 2016, following a battle with lung cancer. Jordi expressed relief that his father’s suffering was brief. “Because it’s not nice when you see your father in pain. He had a hard time for one day and then it was over,” he said, reflecting on the tough time for his family. He added, “I have come to terms with it, because he lived five lives, in which he achieved and meant a lot. Ten years after his death, we are still talking about him – that says something about the impact he has had and continues to have on so many people.”
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of Johan Cruijff’s death, a four-part documentary detailing his life has been produced, with input and approval from Jordi and the rest of the Cruijff family. The first installment of the documentary is scheduled to air on NPO 1 on Sunday, March 22, at 8:55 PM local time (20:55 CET), with subsequent episodes to follow on the same time slot in the coming weeks. This documentary promises to offer a comprehensive glance at the life and legacy of one of football’s most iconic figures.
The documentary’s release comes at a pivotal moment for Ajax, where Jordi Cruijff currently holds a key leadership position. His role as technical director places him at the heart of the club’s footballing operations, tasked with shaping the future of one of the Netherlands’ most storied institutions. The weight of his father’s legacy undoubtedly influences his approach to the role, as he strives to uphold the values of innovation and excellence that Johan Cruijff embodied.
The story of Jordi Cruijff learning Dutch from his father is more than just a personal anecdote; it’s a testament to the enduring power of family and the lasting impact of a footballing icon. It highlights the importance of cultural connection and the subtle ways in which a parent’s influence can shape a child’s identity, even across geographical boundaries and linguistic differences. The upcoming documentary will undoubtedly provide further insights into the complex and fascinating relationship between father and son.
As Ajax prepares for their next Eredivisie match against Feyenoord on March 29th, all eyes will be on the club’s performance and the strategic decisions made by Jordi Cruijff. The pressure to succeed is immense, but he carries the weight of expectation with a quiet determination, guided by the lessons learned from his father and a deep-rooted passion for the game. The match is scheduled for 4:30 PM local time (16:30 CET) at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
