Johan Neeskens dies: Former Netherlands midfielder dead at 73
The Dutch football federation has announced the passing of Dutch football legend Johan Neeskens at the age of 73.
The ex-midfielder played a key role in the Ajax and Netherlands squads that are recognized for developing "total football" during the 1970s.
In a statement, the KNVB federation expressed that the Dutch and global football community has lost an icon with the passing of Johan Neeskens.
Neeskens represented the Netherlands on 49 occasions and played in the squads that ended up as runners-up in the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
At Ajax, he played a key role in securing three European Cup victories and two championships in the domestic league.
Neeskens played for five seasons with the renowned Spanish club Barcelona, where he claimed victories in the Copa del Rey and the European Cup Winners' Cup.
"The KNVB stated that his name will always be associated with triumphs in Europe, having played for clubs such as Ajax and Barcelona, as well as competing in two World Cup finals with the Netherlands."
"Known for his signature tackles, brilliant observations, and memorable penalty kicks, [he] will always be remembered as one of the most celebrated and cherished players to represent our nation."
After hanging up his boots in 1991, Neeskens took on various coaching roles with different clubs and served as an assistant coach for the Dutch national team between 1995 and 2000.
