Former Netherlands midfielder Neeskens dies aged 73
Netherlands legend Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73, the Dutch football federation has confirmed.
The former midfielder was part of the Ajax and Netherlands teams credited with creating “total football” in the 1970s.
“With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and international football world loses a legend,” the KNVB federation said in a statement.
Neeskens was capped 49 times for the Dutch and was part of the teams that finished runners up at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
At Ajax he helped them win the European Cup three times and their domestic league twice.
Neeskens also spent five seasons at Spanish giants Barcelona, winning the Copa del Rey and European Cup Winners’ Cup with them.
“His name is forever linked to European successes with clubs like Ajax and Barcelona and two World Cup finals for the Dutch national team,” the KNVB added.
“With his characteristic tackles, sublime insights and iconic penalties, [he] will forever remain one of the most prominent and beloved players to ever play for our country.”
After retiring as a player in 1991, Neeskens coached several clubs and was also an assistant coach with the Dutch national team from 1995 to 2000.
Related
Youth football teams hold minute’s silence for 10-year-old Poppy Atkinson
Youth football teams and grassroots clubs across the country have held a minute’s silence at the start of their games to commemorate a 10-year-old girl who di
Girl’s death sparks minute’s silence at football matches nationwide
10-year-old Poppy Atkinson was killed when she was struck by a car during a training session at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria. Clubs from Leeds to London
Liverpool fans’ Uefa claim can be heard in England, judge…
The high court, sitting in Liverpool, heard Uefa had relied upon the principle that English courts will not inquire into the legality of actions by foreign gove
Alan Shearer’s Premier League predictions including Manchester United vs Arsenal
Caption: Alan Shearer?s Premier League predictions credit: Getty / Metro After some impressive results for English sides in Europe the focus is
