Dutch football legend Johan Neeskens has passed away at the age of 73, as confirmed by the Netherlands Football Federation. Neeskens, a former midfielder, was a key figure in the iconic Ajax and Netherlands teams of the 1970s, renowned for pioneering the "total football" style of play.
“With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and international football world loses a legend,” the KNVB federation said in a statement.
Neeskens was capped 49 times for the Dutch and was part of the teams that finished runners up at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
During his time at Ajax, Neeskens played a pivotal role in helping the club win the European Cup three times and secure two domestic league titles. He later spent five seasons with Spanish giants Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
“His name is forever linked to European successes with clubs like Ajax and Barcelona and two World Cup finals for the Dutch national team,” the KNVB added.
“With his characteristic tackles, sublime insights and iconic penalties, [he] will forever remain one of the most prominent and beloved players to ever play for our country.”
After retiring as a player in 1991, Neeskens went on to coach several clubs and served as an assistant coach for the Dutch national team from 1995 to 2000.
