Former Netherlands midfielder Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73, the Dutch football association has announced. Neeskens was an integral part of a famed Dutch side along with Johan Cruyff which finished runners-up at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, winning 49 caps for his country.
After a glittering playing career where he won three European Cups with Ajax and starred at Barcelona before retiring in 1991, Neeskens went on to become a successful coach with assistant roles at Netherlands, Australia, Barca and Galatasaray.
"Sunday 6 October. An autumn day that starts sunny. Until the news from Algeria reaches us that Johan Neeskens has passed away," a statement from KNVB, the Royal Dutch Football Association, read.
"Johan stayed in Algeria for the WorldCoaches project of the KNVB. Words fail us for this enormous, sudden loss.
"Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, his children, family and friends. The world is not only saying goodbye to a gifted sportsman, but especially to a committed, driven and wonderful person.
"The native of Heemstede played 49 times for the Dutch national team. He was a real driving force in midfield.
"He was loved in Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York and the rest of the world. And especially proud of the fact that he wore the Orange shirt for 11 years."
The Dutch FA (KNVB) said in a statement: “The KNVB was shocked yesterday morning by the news that Johan Neeskens has suddenly passed away at the age of 73. During the last couple of days he was in Algeria, working for the KNVB’s World Coaches program, where he became unwell. Unfortunately, medical help could not make a difference for him.”
Neeskens won 49 caps for the Netherlands and gave them the lead in the 1974 World Cup final after two minutes with a penalty against West Germany, who went on to win 2-1. The Netherlands lost the final four years later too, this time 3-1 after extra time against Argentina. At club level he represented Ajax (where he won three European Cups and two league titles) and Barcelona before moving to the United States, where he played for New York Cosmos and Kansas City Comets.
The Dutch FA added: “Words fail to capture the enormity and suddenness of this loss. Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, his children, family, and friends. The world not only says goodbye to a gifted sportsman but above all, to a compassionate, driven, and wonderful person.”
Neeskens’ legacy: A true Dutch football legend
Johan Neeskens, who scored the first-minute penalty to put the Netherlands ahead in the 1974 World Cup final against West Germany, has died at the age of 73. Neeskens was taken ill while working for the Dutch football association’s WorldCoaches programme in Algeria. The KNVB said in a statement that he died on October 6 after medical intervention was unable to save him.
A Midfield Maestro and “Total Football”
A midfielder with Ajax and Barcelona, Neeskens was renowned for his ferocious shooting and equally ferocious tackling, as well as his stamina and versatility. Ajax team-mate Sjaak Swart once said he was “worth two men in midfield”.
Neeskens was a key figure in the Netherlands' ‘Total Football’ era, the Dutch team that reached the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. He was a true Dutch football legend who will be deeply missed. The football world mourns the loss of a man who inspired a generation of players and fans. His legacy will live on through the memories of his incredible talent, passion for the game, and unwavering commitment to the team.
An Unforgettable Career: From Ajax to Barcelona
He moved to Barcelona in 1974 after winning three European Cups with Ajax, shadowing Johan Cruyff and earning himself the nickname Johan Segundo (Johan the second). He was also part of the Netherlands' 1978 World Cup campaign, which they ultimately lost to Argentina.
A Coach and a World Citizen
After five years at Barcelona Neeskens followed in Cruyff’s footsteps again, this time to the United States where he spent five seasons with the New York Cosmos. He finished his career in Switzerland, which became his home for the rest of his life.
He spent the second part of his career as a coach, working as Guus Hiddink’s assistant in the Dutch team that reached the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup. Neeskens’ impact on Australian football can't be understated, as he was instrumental in helping the Socceroos qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Neeskens looked back at the 1974 World Cup with pride when he and other surviving members of the squad attended a friendly international against Germany in March this year.
Johan Neeskens: A Life Well Lived
Neeskens was a true footballing legend, not only for his exploits on the field but for the influence he had as a coach. He was a driving force in midfield, a passionate coach, and a wonderful person who will be deeply missed. His legacy will inspire generations of football fans and players. Johan Neeskens: A life well lived.
