Johan Neeskens played 140 times for Barcelona in La Liga (Image: GETTY)
The football world is mourning the loss of Ajax and Barcelona icon Johan Neeskens, who has passed away at 73. The news was confirmed by the Dutch football federation on Monday.
In a heartfelt statement, the KNVB expressed their sorrow: “The KNVB was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.
“Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him tremendously. We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovee, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss. Rest in peace, Johan.”
UEFA said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dutch legend Johan Neeskens, a three-time European Cup winner and one of football’s true greats. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the global football community.”
Johan Neeskens spent five seasons at Barca after leaving Ajax (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Affectionately dubbed “Johan Two” for his parallels with fellow Dutch maestro Johan Cruyff, Neeskens’ remarkable career included stints at Ajax, Barcelona, and the New York Cosmos.
He earned 49 caps for the Netherlands, netting 17 goals. The KNVB further commemorated his legacy: “His name is forever linked to European successes with clubs like Ajax and Barcelona and two World Cup finals for the Dutch national team.
“With his characteristic tackles, sublime insights and iconic penalties, [he] will forever remain one of the most prominent and beloved players to ever play for our country.”
A lynchpin of the legendary Ajax team that clinched three European Cups in the ’70s, Neeskens amassed 14 club honours, including a Copa Del Rey victory with Barcelona.
His illustrious career also saw him lift two North American Soccer League championships with the New York Cosmos following his celebrated tenure at Barca.
Following his retirement from football in the early 1990s, Neeskens embarked on a managerial career. He took charge of teams in Switzerland and South Africa, as well as leading NEC Nijmegen in his home country of the Netherlands.
In addition to his managerial roles, Neeskens also served as an assistant at both club and international level. His assistant roles included stints with the Netherlands and Barcelona, and later in his career, Australia.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1958527/Johan-Neeskens-dead-Netherlands-Ajax-Barcelona