Johan Neeskens, the former Netherlands international, has passed away at the age of 73. He was a midfielder who played a significant role in introducing “total football” and was part of the Dutch team that reached two World Cup finals in the 1970s. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) expressed their shock in a statement: “We were devastated to learn that Johan Neeskens suddenly passed away at 73. He had recently been in Algeria for the KNVB’s World Coaches program and fell ill. Regrettably, medical assistance was unable to save him.” Neeskens earned 49 caps for the Netherlands and scored a penalty just two minutes into the 1974 World Cup final against West Germany, although the Netherlands lost 2-1.
Four years later, they lost again in the final, this time 3-1 in extra time against Argentina. At the club level, he played for Ajax, where he won three European Cups and two league titles, before joining Barcelona and later playing in the United States for the New York Cosmos and Kansas City Comets.
The Dutch FA remarked, “Words cannot fully express the depth and suddenness of this loss. Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, his children, family, and friends. The world bids farewell not just to a talented athlete, but to a kind, passionate, and extraordinary individual.” Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman described Neeskens as “a small man who was my big idol,” saying, “As a kid playing football in the street, you often asked: ‘Who wants to be Cruyff? Who wants to be [Willem] van Hanegem?’ I wanted to be Johan Neeskens.”
Ajax expressed their sorrow on X, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Johan Neeskens’ passing. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ajax legend.” Barcelona, in reference to the club’s nickname, called Neeskens “a blaugrana legend who will always remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
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