The Hague, October 08, 2024 – The Europe Today: Johan Neeskens, a former Netherlands international and renowned midfielder for Ajax and FC Barcelona, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 73, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed on Monday. Neeskens, who was widely regarded as one of the finest Dutch footballers of his generation, had been in Algeria working with the KNVB’s WorldCoaches program when he fell ill. Despite receiving medical attention, he could not be saved.
In a statement, the KNVB mourned the loss of one of the nation’s most decorated football icons, emphasizing his lasting impact on the sport both in the Netherlands and internationally. “With his passing, the Netherlands loses one of its most decorated players of all time,” the association said.
Neeskens was an instrumental figure in the legendary Ajax team of the early 1970s, winning three consecutive European Cups in 1971, 1972, and 1973 alongside fellow football great Johan Cruyff. The two also lifted the Club World Cup in 1972 and secured multiple domestic titles during their time together.
On the international stage, Neeskens was a key player for the Netherlands during their famous run to the 1974 FIFA World Cup final. He scored an early penalty in the final against West Germany, but the Dutch ultimately fell short, losing 2-1. Over his career, Neeskens earned 49 caps for the national team and scored 17 goals.
After leaving Ajax, Neeskens joined FC Barcelona in 1974, where he was reunited with Cruyff. During his time in Spain, he earned the nickname “Johan Segundo” (Johan the second) for his impressive tackling, tireless energy, and versatility on the pitch. Neeskens played for Barcelona until 1979 before eventually retiring from professional football in 1991.
Following his retirement, Neeskens transitioned into coaching, notably serving as an assistant coach to Frank Rijkaard with the Netherlands national team, FC Barcelona, and Galatasaray. In recent years, he was actively involved with the KNVB WorldCoaches program, helping train football coaches in developing countries.
Current Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman expressed his deep sorrow at Neeskens’ passing, saying, “As a little boy, he was my big idol,” during a press conference at the team’s training center in Zeist.
Neeskens is survived by his wife, Marlis, and their four children: Christian, Tamara, Bianca, and Armand. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Dutch football history.
