GREAT GESTURE: Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch opened a football pitch after received the award for the Johan Cruijff Talent to encourage for kids to play football

At the Cruyff Court Betondorp, the neighbourhood pitch where Johan always played football as a child, close to his parents’ home, Ryan Gravenberch received the coveted award for the Johan Cruijff Talent of the Year in the Eredivisie 2020-2021.

The Johan Cruijff Award has been given to the Talent of the Year since 2003. With the aid of this prize, Cruijff hopes to inspire young football players to pursue better futures and assist them in making a positive social impact.

The Johan Cruyff Foundation will provide the winner the chance to construct a Cruyff Court at a site of their choosing. This makes it possible for young people who are vulnerable to engage in accessible sports and advance their mental, social, and physical development.

Ryan Gravenberch opent Cruyff Court in Zuidoost - NH Nieuws

The promising 19-year-old midfielder from Ajax was almost unanimously chosen by a jury of 14 renowned experts. In addition to their footballing qualities, the Premier League players were also judged on Johan Cruijff’s 14 principles, such as team spirit and responsibility.

The jury noted that Ryan played a key role at Ajax due to his young age. He was also praised for his crazy and lightning-fast development.

Ryan received the award from none other than John Heitinga. Ryan: “I played at the Cruyff Court all my youth. It helped me develop and it is really special that I can now put one on myself. And for the young boys: this award is an encouragement, do your best and one day you will also stand here with this award in your hands.”

In the coming period, Ryan and the Cruyff Foundation will determine the exact location of the Ryan Gravenberch Cruyff Court after close consultation. The Cruyff Court is partly funded by the National Postcode Lottery.

After Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Salomon Kalou, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Ibrahim Afellay, Miralem Sulejmani, Eljero Elia, Gregory van der Wiel, Christian Eriksen, Adam Maher, Marco van Ginkel, Davy Klaasen, Memphis Depay, Vincent Janssen, Kasper Dolberg, Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch is the 18th winner of the Johan Cruijff Award.