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Johan Neeskens, former Netherlands and Ajax midfielder, dies aged 73
The former Netherlands international Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73. The midfielder was part of the generation that were credited with introducing “total football” and part of the team that reached two consecutive World Cup finals in the 1970s.
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.
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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.”
The Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, said: “When I was a little boy, he was my big idol. As a young boy you played football on the street and you asked: ‘Who wants to be Cruyff? Who wants to be [Willem] van Hanegem?’ I wanted to be Johan Neeskens.”
Ajax said on X: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Ajax legend.” Barcelona, referring to the club’s nickname, called Neeskens “a blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace.”
• This article was amended on 8 October 2024 to use a more accurate translation of Ronald Koeman’s words.
