The tragic news of the passing of former Netherlands international Johan Neeskens at the age of 73 has left the football world in mourning. Neeskens, a midfielder, was a key figure in the Dutch team that revolutionized the game with their implementation of “total football” in the 1970s. He was also a vital part of the squad that reached back-to-back World Cup finals.
The Dutch FA (KNVB) expressed their shock and sadness in a statement, saying, “The KNVB was shocked yesterday morning by the news that Johan Neeskens has suddenly passed away at the age of 73. During the last couple of days he was in Algeria, working for the KNVB’s World Coaches program, where he became unwell. Unfortunately, medical help could not make a difference for him.”
Neeskens, who earned 49 caps for the Netherlands, famously scored the opening goal in the 1974 World Cup final against West Germany, converting a penalty just two minutes into the match. Despite his efforts, the Dutch ultimately fell short and were defeated 2-1. The disappointment continued four years later in the final against Argentina, where they were once again unable to secure the coveted trophy.
At club level, Neeskens enjoyed immense success with Ajax, where he won three European Cups and two league titles. He later moved on to Barcelona before making his mark in the United States, playing for the New York Cosmos and Kansas City Comets.
The Dutch FA continued in their statement, saying, “Words fail to capture the enormity and suddenness of this loss. Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, his children, family, and friends. The world not only says goodbye to a gifted sportsman but above all, to a compassionate, driven, and wonderful person.”
Current Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman paid tribute to Neeskens, referring to him as “a small man who was my big idol.” Koeman reflected on his own childhood, saying, “As a young boy you played football on the street and you asked: ‘Who wants to be Cruyff? Who wants to be [Willem] van Hanegem?’ I wanted to be Johan Neeskens.”
Ajax also shared their condolences, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Ajax legend.” Barcelona, in a statement honoring their former player, referred to Neeskens as “a blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace.”
The football world has lost a true icon in Johan Neeskens, whose contributions on and off the field will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on in the hearts of fans, teammates, and admirers around the globe.