Johan Cruyff, one of the world’s greatest footballers, has passed away at the age of 68, after a hard fought battle with cancer.

“On March 24 2016 Johan Cruyff (68) died peacefully in Barcelona, surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer,” the Dutch icon’s official website announced Thursday.

The saddening news came only a month after the former Ajax and Barcelona star said he was “2-0 up” in his battle against lung cancer, which he was sure he would “end up winning."

Cruyff led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups between 1971 and 1973 and took Holland to the final of the 1974 World Cup, where his side was defeated by West Germany.

He then joined Barcelona for a record fee and quickly became a fan favorite at the Camp Nou. His rise to fame continued in 1992, the year he coached the Catalan Club to its first ever European Cup triumph.

During his eight-year managerial term with Barca, the Flying Dutchman also won four successive La Liga titles.

Cruyff made the headlines again in 1991, when he revealed his double heart bypass surgery due to excessive smoking habits.

The three-time winner of the world player of the year title, made his cancer public in October last year.

“Words can hardly to be found for this huge loss,” the Dutch Football Association said of Cruyff’s death in a statement.

“The greatest Dutch footballer of all time and one of the world's best ever. Our condolences go to his wife, family, friends and the entire football world at home and abroad. We wish everyone a lot of strength in this difficult time," the statement added.