“With Johan Neeskens, the world of Dutch and international football loses a legend”declared the KNVB in a press release, adding that the midfielder, Johan Cruyff’s most loyal lieutenant in the selection, at Ajax and Barcelona, died on Sunday of an unspecified cause.
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Legend of Ajax and FC Barcelona
Neeskens was part of the Ajax team that won three consecutive European Cups in the early 1970s and was also a member of the Dutch team that reached the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. He had 49 selections.
“With his signature tackles, his sublime vision of the game and his iconic penalties, he will forever remain one of the best players Dutch football has ever produced”said the KNVB.
After his playing career, Neeskens turned to coaching, particularly in developing countries.
He was “a citizen of the world and a loving family man, proud of his children and grandchildren and who, until the end, knew how to touch others with his love of football”.
Dutch midfielder Johan Neeskens scoring his penalty against Germany in 1974. Photo: Staff archive / AFP
The KNVB announced that it would observe a minute of silence during the next two international matches against Hungary and Germany.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family.”said Ajax on X. “Rest in peace, Ajax legend”added the club.
“A Blaugrana legend who will forever remain in our memory”, wrote about X FC Barcelona, where he was known as « Johan le Second » (after Crujff), according to Dutch public television NOS.
