A legend of world football has died. He was a two-time world vice-champion
Football has lost another great legend. Johan Neeskens died at the age of 73. The Dutchman was one of the football stars of the 1970s, as well as FC Barcelona.
The football world has lost another great legend. Johan Neeskens was a highly distinguished figure for football not only in his country, but also in the world. In the 1970s, he became known as a great midfield player, forming a team with Johan Cruyff.
The legend of world football is dead
Neesekens’ death was announced, among others, by the Dutch Football Association. The footballer was born in 1951 in Heemstede, where he also began his adventure with football. At the age of 19, he caught the eye of the famous coach Rinus Michels, who brought him to Ajax Amsterdam. There he became part of the team that won the European Cup three times. Then he went to FC Barcelona, where, however, he no longer celebrated such great triumphs, but continued to cooperate with the well-known Michels and Cruyff.
In the years 1979-1984, Johan Neeskens represented New York Cosmos, where he played for a while with Władysław Żmuda and Stanisław Terlecki. The midfielder is also remembered for his appearances in the “Orange” squad. In 1974 and 1978, the Netherlands reached the World Cup finals, but each time they ended without a win.
After finishing his career, he tried his hand as a coach and assistant. He has cooperated with the Dutch national team many times. He also worked with NEC Nijmegen and South African Mamelodi Sundowns. According to information from the KNVB (Dutch federation), the footballer died suddenly while staying in Algeria.
The Netherlands says goodbye to Johan Neeskens
“We are at a loss for words for this enormous, sudden loss. Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, children, family and friends. The world is saying goodbye not only to a talented athlete, but above all to a dedicated, determined and wonderful person,” says the Dutch Football Association in a press release.