Johan Neeskens, the celebrated midfielder who was integral to the Netherlands and Ajax teams that revolutionised football with the “Total Football” philosophy in the 1970s, has died at the age of 73.
The Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) confirmed the sad news on Monday, revealing that Neeskens passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024, following an unspecified illness.
In a statement from the KNVB website titled, Johan Neeskens (15 September 1951 – 6 October 2024), the KNVB mourned the passing of the football icon, saying, “With Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and international football world loses a legend.”
Neeskens, who was in Algeria for the KNVB’s WorldCoaches project, died while continuing his global mission to uplift communities through football.
The statement added, “The world not only says goodbye to a gifted sportsman but above all, to a compassionate, driven, and wonderful person. Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, his children, family, and friends.”
Career across continents
Neeskens was a core part of Johan Cruyff’s era at Ajax and Barcelona, playing a pivotal role in the dominance of “Total Football.” His versatility and relentless energy made him a fan favourite in Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, and beyond. He played in several countries, including Switzerland, where he settled after his playing days, and also had an extensive coaching career, spanning Australia, Spain, and South Africa.
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.