Rinus Michels

Rinus Michels was a Dutch footballer and manager whose coaching transformed Ajax and the Netherlands through the fluid, position-swapping style known as Total Football. He led Ajax to four Dutch championships and the 1971 European Cup, guided the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final, and won UEFA Euro 1988. Michels also coached Barcelona to the Spanish league title and became known as “The General” for his demanding, disciplined approach.