The former Dutch footballer Johan Neeskens passed away at the age of 73as reported this Monday by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which did not specify the circumstances of the death of the former footballer and coach, who was participating in a training program for young coaches in Algeria in recent days.
The legendary footballer who He scored a goal in the 1974 World Cup final and 4 years later he returned to play in the final of the tournament in Argentina 78. also marked an era at FC Barcelonaa club that regretted its loss, like its staunch rival, the real Madrid.
The KNVB assured that it has received “with great regret” the news of the “unexpected death” of Neeskens, whom he described as “one of the greatest (Dutch footballers).”
“We are going to miss him enormously,” added the association, which wished “a lot of strength” to the coach’s family “to cope with this great loss.”
Neeskens was 73 years old and fHe arrived on Sunday in Algeria, where he was part of the KNVB’s WorldCoaches project, a program that trains young people from around the world. to become soccer coaches in their own community.
“There are no words to describe this enormous and sudden loss. The world not only says goodbye to a talented athlete, but above all to a committed, passionate and wonderful person,” the association stressed.
Neeskens played 49 international matches with the orange team and his great role in numerous games is remembered, like the 1974 World Cup final against West Germany, when, as a midfielder, he opened the scoring in the second minute by taking a penalty, although Netherlands lost 2-1 in that match.
Also He played in the final against Argentina in the World Cup four years later, with the same result.
As a club footballer, Neeskens shone in the Ajax of Amsterdam (1968-1973) and was one of the favorite players of the culé fans as a starter at FC Barcelona (1974-1979), where he arrived at the hands of coach Johan Cruyff and where he lived a golden era, becoming known , remembers public television NOS, as “Johan Segundo”.
He then embarked on an adventure in the United States, to finish his career in Switzerland, where he continued to live while taking part in international projects.
“He fought his hardest in every game, never gave up, covered the entire field, frequently appeared in the opponent’s area and scored regularly. He was loved in Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York and around the world. And above all, he was proud to have worn the Oranje jersey for eleven years,” noted the KNVB.
As a coach, he was assistant coach of the Dutch team for several years, working alongside stars such as Guus Hiddink and Frank Rijkaard, and in 2000 he made the leap as head coach at local team NEC Nijmegen.
He shared his knowledge with low-income young people
The former soccer player dedicated the last years of his life to traveling around the world, training young coaches in low-income countries, a project that allowed him to use “football as a tool to improve life, was perfect for him: being in the field with other football lovers, with the idea of achieving something beautiful together, he was Johan Neeskens in his essence,” according to the Dutch association, which dedicated an obituary to him with images of his career.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid regretted the loss
FC Barcelona, where Neeskens played for five years, between 1974 and 1979, and where he returned as Frank Rijkaard’s assistant between 2006 and 2008, regretted the departure of its legend.
“FC Barcelona deeply regrets the death of Johan Neeskens. A Barça legend that will always be in our memory. Rest in peace”, can be read in the message published on the X account of the Barcelona entity.
Neskeens played 183 games and scored 53 goals during the five seasons he played as a midfielder for Barcelona, a club in which He left a great memory among the fans for his commitment, physical strength and power, especially in his headers and shots from the penalty spot..
With Barcelona he won a European Cup Winners’ Cup (1978-1979) and a Copa del Rey (1977-1978).
Real Madrid, the Barça club’s eternal rival, also expressed its condolences through a statement posted on its social networks.
“Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Johan Neeskens, one of the greatest legends of FC Barcelona, Ajax Amsterdam and world football,” the letter reads.
“Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and love to his family, his teammates, his clubs and all his loved ones.”, complemented the sports institution.
Ronald Koeman and Siaak Swart also expressed their sadness
Two former teammates and friends joined in mourning the player’s death.
In a first reaction, the current Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who was also Hiddink’s assistant – along with Neeskens – in the 1998 World Cup in France, said he was “shocked” by the news of the death.
“I have a past with Johan, when I was a little child, he was my big idol. We played against each other, we took the coaching course together,” he lamented.
For his part, the former Dutch footballer Sjaak Swart stressed his surprise at the news of Neeksen’s death, and explained that he had spoken with him “a few days ago, I was going to see him on October 16, in a meeting with Guus Hiddink” because the three had “a date with other former soccer players.”
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