Johan Neeskenshistoric Dutch player, who distinguished himself in the Ajax and in the Barcelonadied at the age of 73. Neeskens, twice world vice-champion (in 1974 and 1978), was one of the fundamental figures of Dutch football throughout its history and formed an irreplaceable duo with Johan Cruyff.
“Johan was one of our best. “We will miss him enormously,” explained the Dutch Football Federation, which expressed its “great sadness at the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens”. Born in September 1951 in the town of Heemstedebecame one of the most important players in Dutch history.
Neeskens played 49 matches for the Dutch national team, in which he scored 17 goals, but beyond the data, Neeskens’ relevance was in his style of playin so-called total football alongside Johan Cruyff. The Dutchman made his debut in 1968 at Ajax and was one of the key players in the team that revolutionized European football. After four seasons in Amsterdam, he signed for Barcelona, where he played five seasons and became one of the most popular footballers.
“We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovée, his family and friends lots of strength to endure this great loss. Rest in peace, Johan,” adds the Dutch Federation.
After also playing for several teams such as the New York Cosmos in the United States and Groningen in his native country, Johan Neeskens retired to Switzerland in 1991. In his record as a footballer has three European Cupsall with Ajax, in addition to a European Super Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup (with Barcelona) and an Intercontinental Cup.
Once retired as a player, Neeskens coached football, although he never became a head coach. The Dutchman was number two by Frank Rijkaard both in the Dutch national team and at Barça, as well as second coach to Guus Hiddink when he was in the Australian national team.
