Ryan Gravenberch won the 2019 Eredivisie Johan Cruijff Talent of the Year at the Cruyff Court Betondorp, the neighborhood field where Johan usually played football as a child, not far from his parents’ house.
Cruyff Court opened by Ryan Gravenberch in Zuidoost, NH Nieuws
The Johan Cruijff Award has been given to the Talent of the Year since 2003. With the help 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.
The 19-year-old Ajax midfield prospect was selected by a panel of 14 esteemed experts nearly unanimously. The Premier League players were evaluated based not just on their football skills but also on the 14 principles of Johan Cruijff, which include responsibility and teamwork.
The jury observed that despite Ryan’s youth, he was vital to Ajax. He received recognition as well for his extraordinary and quick development.
It was none other than John Heitinga who presented Ryan with the award. Ryan: “My entire childhood, I played at the Cruyff Court.” I can now wear one on myself, which is incredibly wonderful because it helped me grow. And to the young lads, this trophy serves as motivation. Keep working hard, and one day you too will be standing here holding this honor.
After careful consideration, Ryan Gravenberch and the Cruyff Foundation will decide exactly where the Ryan Gravenberch Cruyff Court will be located in the near future. The National Postcode Lottery provides partial funding for the Cruyff Court.
Ryan Gravenberch is the 18th Johan Cruijff Award winner, following 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.