Johan Neeskens: Netherlands and Ajax Star Dies Aged 73

Remembering Johan Neeskens: A Midfield Maestro of Dutch Football

Johan Neeskens, an iconic figure of Dutch football and one of the midfield stars of the esteemed 'Clockwork Orange' teams during the 1970s, has passed away. He was 73 years old. Known for his immense talent and playmaking abilities, Neeskens leaves behind a rich legacy in football history.

World Cup Heartbreaks

Neeskens experienced two agonizing defeats in FIFA World Cup finals. In the 1974 tournament, he scored a crucial penalty that gave the Netherlands an early 1-0 lead against West Germany. However, despite their elegant style of play, the Dutch succumbed to a late comeback, losing 2-1 in the final held in Munich. Reflecting on this, Neeskens remarked, "The most beautiful football doesn't always win," encapsulating the bittersweet nature of their campaign. He later emphasized, "it's incredible to me that people all around the world still talk about that Dutch team. The best and most beautiful football, 'total football.'"

In the 1978 World Cup final, Neeskens and the Dutch again faced disappointment when they lost 3-1 to Argentina after extra time in Buenos Aires. Despite these setbacks, his contributions to the national team remain indelible. Over his career, Neeskens played 49 times for the Netherlands, admirable for his participation in 12 World Cup matches and scoring 17 goals.

A Glorious Club Career

Johan Neeskens was not only a star on the international stage but also excelled at the club level. He won the European Cup, the precursor to the Champions League, an impressive three times with Ajax during their dominant years in the early 1970s. Following his tenure with Ajax, he played for prestigious clubs including Barcelona and the New York Cosmos, showcasing his vast talent across different leagues and competitions.

Tributes From Footballing Giants

The football community is mourning the loss of Neeskens. Ajax stated, "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 remembered him as "A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace."

A Philosophy of Teamwork

At a reunion of the players who participated in the 1974 World Cup final, Neeskens shared his insights on what it takes to achieve success in football, saying, "The collective, that's what it's all about. You need each other on the field. You can only become a champion as a team. There is only one star and that is the team." This philosophy on teamwork resonated greatly and highlights the essence of his approach to the game.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

After retiring from professional football, Neeskens transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for both the Netherlands and Australia, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. The Dutch soccer association KNVB confirmed that he passed away in Algeria while involved in a coaching project they organized, although the cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Globally, the football world expresses its sorrow at the loss of Johan Neeskens. The KNVB's poignant statement reads, "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."

Conclusion

The impact of Johan Neeskens on football, both as a player and a coach, will be remembered for generations. His graceful playing style, leadership on the pitch, and dedication to the sport made him an unforgettable figure in the beautiful game.