Ajax fans pay tribute to Johan Cruyff

"Johan rest in peace," proclaimed a large black banner bearing a picture of the Amsterdam boy, who rose to become one of football's greatest players, carried at the front of the procession.

The large crowd estimated at around 1,500 people sang songs in praise of their hero as they walked from De Meer Stadion, the former home of Ajax, to the bigger 53,00-capacity stadium ArenA in the Dutch city.

Many of them were wearing the number 14 shirt which was Cruyff's tag during his years with the team.

Cruyff, 68, died on March 24 after a brief struggle with cancer, triggering a global outpouring of mourning for a man recognised as having left a huge footballing legacy.

"It is wonderful that so many people have joined in, it's very special," said Sjaak Swart, a former Ajax forward who played a record 600 games with the club.

Cruyff "deserves it more than anyone else. It is awful that he has died from this terrible disease. We should make it a day to remember," Swart added.

The march came before a game between Ajax and FC Zwolle later Sunday, when there was also to be a minute's silence before kick-off. About 150 former players from the Amsterdam club were also to attend the game, the Dutch news agency ANP said.

Outside Cruyff's former home in the Amsterdam district of Betondorp, fans set off red fireworks.

Having led Ajax to the European Cup three times in 1971, 1972 and 1973, Cruyff also led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final where despite losing 2-1 the Dutch won admirers the world over.

About 90,000 Barcelona fans on Saturday took part in a spectacular pre-match display to honour Cruyff -- a former player and coach with the Spanish team.

The display ahead of the El Clasico against Real Madrid read "Thank you Johan" alongside a Barca jersey with the number 14 the Dutchman once wore.