Johan Neeskens has died unexpectedly at the age of 73

Johan Neeskens dead: Ajax and Netherlands legend passes away unexpectedly aged 73

The Dutch FA have confirmed the sad news that Netherlands icon Johan Neeskens has died unexpectedly at the age of 73 with a statement paying tribute to the former midfielder

by · Irish Mirror

Ajax and Barcelona legend Johan Neeskens has sadly died at the age of 73, it has been confirmed.

The news was confirmed in a statement by the Dutch football federation which read: "The KNVB was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.

"Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him tremendously. We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovée, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss.

"Rest in peace, Johan."

Neeskens was nicknamed "Johan Two" amid comparisons to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff during his illustrious playing career, which saw him represent the likes of Ajax, Barcelona and the New York Cosmos.

Neeskens was a legend at Barcelona, where he played and coached(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

He won 49 international caps for his country, scoring 17 goals in the process. The Dutch football federation added: "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."

Neeskens was a key part of the storied Ajax side which won three European Cups in the 1970s and won 14 club honours in his career, including the Copa Del Rey with Barcelona.

Neeskens was part of the Dutch team that reached the 1978 World Cup final(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

He won two North American Soccer League titles with the New York Cosmos after moving to the United States following his successful stint with Barca.

After hanging up his boots in the early 1990s, Neeskens transitioned to a career in the dugout. He managed in both Switzerland and South Africa and also had a stint in his native Netherlands at the helm of NEC Nijmegen.

Neeskens also held assistant roles at both club and international level. Among the clubs he represented in that capacity include both Netherlands and Barcelona, as well as Australia later in his career.

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