Barcelona and Ajax Lead Tributes to Dutch Legend Johan Neeskens After His Death
One of the founders of “Total Football” and a major player in Ajax, Barcelona, and Netherlands football history, Johan Neeskens passed away at the age of 73. The football scene, including his former teams Ajax and Barcelona, has honored the great midfielder whose impact on the game was enormous throughout the 1970s.
Most importantly alongside Johan Cruyff, Neeskens was instrumental in the famous Ajax and Netherlands teams of the 1970s. Showcasing the innovative Total Football technique, he enabled the Netherlands to reach the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. Neeskens played for Barcelona for five seasons, obtaining a Copa del Rey championship and establishing a legacy at the Catalan club after his stint at Ajax, where he won several local and international titles.
“The KNVB was shocked yesterday morning by the news that Johan Neeskens had suddenly passed away at the age of 73.” the Dutch FA (KNVB) said in a moving statement. “He felt sick working for the KNVB’s World Coaches program in Algeria during the last few days. Regretfully, for him medical assistance had no effect.”
The KNVB also underlined Neeskens’ personal attributes: “Words cannot fully convey the severity and suddenness of this tragedy. Our focus is on his wife Marlis, kids, family, and friends. The world not only bids farewell to a brilliant athlete but also above all to a kind, driven, and magnificent person.
Memorials from Previous Teams
Ajax and Barcelona both showed their grief after Neeskens’ death. FC Barcelona said, “FC Barcelona sincerely laments Johan Neeskens’s passing. a blaugrana myth destined to live in our memories always. In peace.
During their first training session on Monday, the Netherlands national team observed a minute’s silence in a moving tribute to the man who significantly shaped Dutch football history.
Although Neeskens passed symbolizes the loss of one of the most powerful characters in football, his legacy will live on via the memory of him.
