The great Dutch football player Johan Neeskens has suddenly died at 73. Known for his tenure with Ajax and the Netherlands national team in the 1970s, he was instrumental in the “total football” approach that drove his sides to such success.
Neeskens was on the Netherlands team that advanced to the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. He also helped Ajax won three straight European Cups. He later represented Barcelona, where he picked up multiple trophies.
After retiring as a player, Neeskens became a coach. He was an assistant coach for the Dutch national team and worked with several clubs. He participated in several football initiatives all around as well.
Neeskens was much-loved for his aggressive on-field performance and abilities. Many in the football fraternity have shown their grief at his death. Ajax and Barcelona as well as the Dutch football federation have expressed their sympathies.