Legendary Dutch soccer star Johan Cruyff will be coming to Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 and its spin-off title, PES Club Manager, Konami has revealed.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner is widely regarded as one of the best players to have graced the sport, both on the pitch and off it, with the PES developer paying its “tribute to Cruyff’s unforgettable career” in PES 2018.

According to Konami, Cruyff will now be the icon and key visual for PES Club Manager. The developer also added that Cruyff’s introduction to the mobile title would be “marked by a special event.”

PES 2018’s latest trailer (posted below), which celebrates the legacy of Cruyff, confirms that the Dutch superstar will be making his mark first in PES Club Manager, with a release date set of February 9 to February 16.

Meanwhile, Konami says that Cruyff is “coming soon” to PES 2018’s console and mobile versions.

After a playing career that spanned two decades and with many accolades to his name, Cruyff continued his accomplishments as a manager and coached teams that included Ajax and Barcelona.

He is also celebrated as an exponent of the soccer theory ‘Total Football,’ which is where any player could take on the role of another outfield player and played its part in “laying the foundation for modern soccer.”

“Cruyff’s incredible technique shocked the football world and is still celebrated today, with the trademark ‘Cruyff Turn’ a popular move in the PES series,” Konami said. “Fans will now be able to recreate that technique in Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.”

Johan Cruyff’s son, Jordi, added: “I am proud that my father returns to the pitch in Pro Evolution Soccer, and I hope we can enjoy his performance in the game as much as so many people did on the field.”

PES 2018 was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and mobile devices.

Hardcore Gamer’s review said that “PES’ progression, as a series, has gone up with Pro Evolution Soccer 2018,” believing that the latest installment also “proves once again it’s the king of football titles.”

https://youtu.be/TBmOMziLNcU