Former Netherlands midfielder Johan Neeskens, best known for his time at Ajax and Barcelona, has died at the age of 73.
Neeskens, who scored 17 goals in 49 international appearances for the Netherlands, enjoyed a 23-year playing career and later had spells in prominent managerial and coaching roles.
Widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers of the twentieth century, Neeskens — alongside Johan Cruyff — was part of the Ajax side that won three European Cups at the start of the 1970s and was part of the Dutch national team that reached successive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978.
We’re deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Johan Neeskens.
Forever one of our greatest icons.
Rest in peace, Johan. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/JHlyWlOGWb— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 7, 2024
Neeskens won a total of 14 club honours in his senior career, including the Copa del Rey and Cup Winners’ Cup trophies with Barcelona and two North American Soccer League titles with the New York Cosmos.
He then held managerial roles at Swiss club FC Zug, NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, while also holding assistant roles with the Netherlands, Australia, Barcelona and Galatasaray.
(VI Images via Getty Images)
