Johan Neeskens has died © ANSA / 11

The football world mourns a legend

The football world is mourning the loss of Johan Neeskens. As the Dutch football association KNVB announced, the former international player died at the age of 73 while in Algeria for a coaching project.

07 October 2024

From: dpa

"International football is losing a legend. We have no words to describe this enormous, sudden loss. The world is not only saying goodbye to a gifted athlete, but above all to a committed, passionate and wonderful person," the KNVB said in a statement.

The former midfielder, born in Heemstede in northern Holland, played for Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona, ​​among others. He played a total of 1970 international matches between 1981 and 49 and scored 17 goals. He won the European Cup three times (1971, 1972, 1973) with Ajax Amsterdam.

The Dutchman played in two World Cup finals. © ANSA / 11

One of the highlights of his professional career was the 1974 World Cup final in Munich against Germany. In the 1-2 defeat, he converted a penalty to give his team a temporary 1-0 lead. "His partnership with Johan Cruyff in particular will ensure that his legacy lives on forever," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The memory remains

Four years later, Neeskens was again runner-up in the World Cup after losing 1-3 to hosts Argentina in the final. After his professional career, Neeskens worked as a coach for various clubs and association teams. FC Barcelona wrote that the legend Neeskens would "always be remembered".