Johan Neeskens dies: Dutch football star dies aged 73

L'ancienne star néerlandaise s'est éteinte à l'âge de 73 ans. DPA – FRISO GENTSCH

Johan Neeskens, l'un des artisans du "football total" et pilier de la grande équipe des Pays-Bas des années 1970, est décédé à 73 ans, a déclaré la fédération néerlandaise de foot ce lundi 7 octobre.

“With Johan Neeskens, the world of Dutch and international football has lost a legend,”, the KNVB said in a statement, adding that the midfielder, who was Johan Cruyff's most loyal lieutenant in the national team, at Ajax and Barcelona, ​​died on Sunday of unspecified causes.

Neeskens was part of the Ajax team that won three consecutive European Cups in the early 1970s and was also a member of the Dutch team that reached the World Cup final in 1974 and 1978. He had 49 selections.

One of the best Dutch players in history

“With his characteristic tackles, his sublime vision of the game and his iconic penalties, he will forever remain one of the best players Dutch football has ever produced”, said the KNVB.

After his playing career, Neeskens turned to coaching, especially in developing countries. He was “a citizen of the world and a loving family man, proud of his children and grandchildren and who, until the end, knew how to touch others with his love of football”.