Dutch football legend, Johan Neeskens passes on at 73

Johan Neeskens, the iconic midfielder who played a crucial role in the Netherlands and Ajax’s transformation of football through the “Total Football” philosophy in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 73.

The Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) confirmed his death on Monday, revealing that he succumbed to an unspecified illness on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

In an official statement on their website, the KNVB expressed their sorrow, stating, “With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and international football world loses a legend.”

Neeskens was in Algeria for the KNVB’s WorldCoaches project at the time of his passing, demonstrating his commitment to using football as a means to uplift communities around the globe.

The statement also highlighted Neeskens’s character, emphasizing that the world mourns not just a gifted sportsman but also a compassionate and driven individual.

The federation extended its condolences to his wife, Marlis, and his children, family, and friends.

Neeskens was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s era at Ajax and Barcelona, where his contributions helped establish the dominance of “Total Football.” Renowned for his versatility and relentless energy, he became a beloved figure in Amsterdam, Barcelona, and New York, among other cities.

Following his playing career, Neeskens settled in Switzerland and embarked on an extensive coaching journey that took him to Australia, Spain, and South Africa, leaving a lasting impact on the game worldwide.

49 caps, memorable penalty in 1974

The Heemstede-born midfielder made 49 appearances for the Dutch national team, scoring 17 goals.

His most iconic moment came in the 1974 World Cup final, where he confidently netted a penalty against West Germany within the first minute of the match.

Despite their early lead, the Netherlands lost the final, but the team is still remembered for its beautiful football.

Neeskens later reflected on that final, saying, “The most beautiful football doesn’t always win… But it’s incredible to me that people, all over the world, still talk about that Dutch team.”

He was also part of the 1978 World Cup squad that reached the final once again but fell short to Argentina.

WorldCoaches ambassador

In his later years, Johan Neeskens became best known for his role as an ambassador for the KNVB’s WorldCoaches programme. He travelled the world, particularly to low- and middle-income countries, training coaches and using football as a vehicle for social change.

According to the KNVB, this mission suited his character perfectly: “Being on the field with fellow football enthusiasts, working together towards something beautiful—that was Johan Neeskens in a nutshell.”

Quiet life

Despite his fame, Neeskens preferred a quiet life and rarely gave interviews. In one of his few public appearances earlier this year, he reunited with the Dutch national team that played in the iconic 1974 World Cup final, emphasising the value of teamwork: “You can only become a champion as a team. There is only one star, and that is the team.”

Neeskens leaves behind a legacy of dedication, humility, and brilliance on and off the pitch.

His contribution to Dutch football and his commitment to spreading the joy of football to the world will be remembered for generations. Neeskens was 73 years old.