Johan Cruyff doc in works with ‘Drive To Survive’ prodco Box to Box & Lusus

Johan Cruyff

Drive To Survive producer Box to Box Films has partnered with Lusus in the Netherlands on a documentary about the life of legendary Dutch footballer, Johan Cruyff.

The doc is going into production later this year and is the first to be created in collaboration with the Cruyff family. It is set to be released globally in the second half of 2025, with talks with “a number of interested broadcast platforms” currently underway.

The doc aims to “shine a true light on the complex and charismatic life and career” of Cruyff, who died in 2016 following an illustrious career with the Dutch and Barcelona star.

It will feature interviews with those closest to Cruyff, as well as accounts from other players and managers in the game that worked closely with him and have been influenced by his genius.

The series is spearheaded by executive producers James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin (co-founders Box to Box Films) and Jaap Schneider (co-founder Lusus).

Box to Box and Lusus have previously worked together on shows including Break Point, Full Swing and Tour De France: Unchained, as well as aforementioned Drive To Survive for Netflix.

Johan Cruyff’s son, Jordi Cruyff, said: “Many beautiful films have already been made about my father. For the first time ever my family and I have decided to participate in a project like this because we believe the time is right to do so.

“We aim for a masterpiece that encompasses, among others, the person behind the player and coach, his time at Ajax, FC Barcelona, the Dutch national team, his years in the USA, his impact on the game of football, and his enduring legacy that continues to inspire many people.”