The football world mourns Johan Neeskens. As the Dutch association KNVB announced, the former national player died at the age of 73 during his stay in Algeria for a coaching project. “International football is losing a legend. We have no words for 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, who was born in Heemstede in North Holland, played for Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona, among others. He played a total of 49 international matches between 1970 and 1981 and scored 17 goals. MiAt Ajax Amsterdam he won the European Cup three times (1971, 1972, 1973).
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One of the highlights of his active professional career was the 1974 World Cup final in Munich against Germany. In the 2-1 defeat, he converted a penalty kick to give his team a 1-0 lead.
Four years later, Neeskens became runner-up again after losing 3-1 in the final against hosts Argentina. After his professional career, Neeskens worked as a coach for various clubs and association teams. FC Barcelona wrote that the legend Neeskens will “always be remembered”.