Johan Neeskens, former Netherlands and Ajax midfielder, dies aged 73 | Netherlands

The previous Netherlands worldwide Johan Neeskens has died on the age of 73. The midfielder was a part of the era that have been credited with introducing “whole soccer” and a part of the crew that reached two consecutive World Cup finals within the Nineteen Seventies.

The Dutch FA (KNVB) mentioned in a press release: “The KNVB was shocked yesterday morning by the information that Johan Neeskens has all of a sudden handed away on the age of 73. Over the last couple of days he was in Algeria, working for the KNVB’s World Coaches program, the place he grew to become unwell. Sadly, medical assist couldn’t make a distinction for him.”

Neeskens gained 49 caps for the Netherlands and gave them the lead within the 1974 World Cup remaining after two minutes with a penalty in opposition to West Germany, who went on to win 2-1. The Netherlands misplaced the ultimate 4 years later too, this time 3-1 after additional time in opposition to Argentina. At membership degree he represented Ajax (the place he gained three European Cups and two league titles) and Barcelona earlier than transferring to the US, the place he performed for New York Cosmos and Kansas Metropolis Comets.

The Dutch FA added: “Phrases fail to seize the enormity and suddenness of this loss. Our ideas are along with his spouse Marlis, his kids, household, and mates. The world not solely says goodbye to a gifted sportsman however above all, to a compassionate, pushed, and fantastic particular person.”

The Netherlands supervisor, Ronald Koeman, mentioned: “Once I was a bit of boy, he was my massive idol. As a younger boy you performed soccer on the road and also you requested: ‘Who desires to be Cruyff? Who desires to be [Willem] van Hanegem?’ I wished to be Johan Neeskens.”

Ajax mentioned on X: “We’re deeply saddened to listen to in regards to the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our ideas are along with his household right now. Relaxation in peace, Ajax legend.” Barcelona, referring to the membership’s nickname, referred to as Neeskens “a blaugrana legend who will without end be in our reminiscence. Relaxation in peace.”