- Barcelona and Ajax legend Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73
- The KNVB confirmed the news on Monday through an emotional statement
Barcelona and Ajax legend Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73.
The former midfielder is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of the twentieth century, having played a crucial role for the likes of Barcelona, Ajax and the Netherlands.
Neeskens was a key member of the Dutch team that finished second at the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups and was known for his close relationship with former teammate Johan Cruyff.
A statement from the Dutch Football Association said on Monday: ‘The KNVB was deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.
‘Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him enormously.
Barcelona and Ajax legend Johan Neeskens has died aged 73, the Dutch FA has confirmed
Neeskens played 49 matches for the Dutch national team and scored 17 goals
Meanwhile, he played 140 games for Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup
Neeskens was part of the Dutch team that finished second at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups
‘We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovée, relatives and friends a lot of strength in bearing this great loss. Rest in peace, Johan.’
Neeskens had a successful playing career spanning 23 years before biting the bullet and eventually taking on a number of assistant management roles.
Alongside Dutch legend Johan Cruijff, Neeskens was part of Ajax that won three European Cups and two Eredivisie titles in the 1970s.
After leaving the Dutch giants, Neeskens went to Barcelona – as did Cruyff – where he went on to win a Copa Del Rey and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
During his post-playing career, he held managerial positions at Swiss club FC Zug, NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
More to follow…