In a touching tribute to the legendary Johan Cruyff, play was stopped briefly in the 14th minute of a Euro 2016 warm-up game between the Netherlands and France.
Cruyff famously wore the number 14 shirt during his professional days, picking up three successive Europan Cups, three Ballon d'Ors as part of a prosperous career in which he lined out for Ajax and Barcelona as well as his home land.
And to honour that, a minute's silence was observed for the former Dutch captain which unexpectedly evolved into a standing ovation in the stands at the Amsterdam Arena. But when you consider some of the majestic moves executed by Cruyff throughout his career, the gesture was more than appropriate.
Applause could be heard as an image of Cruyff appeared on the screen during the minute's silence.
In addition to this, flowers and a number 14 shirt were left on an empty seat in the VIP area as a mark of respect. The Dutch jersies had Cruyff's iconic number printed on the right sleeve, but none of the home players wore the number 14 jersey itself.
After the game, representives of the Dutch Football Association revealed that the Amsterdam Arena is likely to be renamed after Johan Cruyff in honour of his memory.
Cruyff passed away at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer.
Heaven has a new playmaker... R.I.P. Football Genius Johan #Cruyff pic.twitter.com/mxTFphiYXB
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) March 24, 2016
The family of Johan Cruyff will organize a memorial ceremony at the Camp Nou on Tuesday. [md]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 26, 2016
Laudrup: "Johan Cruyff has been the best European player of all time (sorry, Zidane, Eusebio, Beckenbauer and Platini)." [l'equipe]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 25, 2016
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