The Dutch footballer and manager Johan Neeskens, one of the twentieth century’s best and most well-known midfielders, has died aged 73. One of the key members in the 1974 and 78 World Cup tournaments (in which the Netherlands were runners-up), Neeskens will be remembered for his stamina and his tenacious playing style alongside other Total Football legend Johan Cruyff. He scored the Netherlands’ only goal just two minutes into their 1974 World Cup Final against West Germany and was capped 49 times for his country. Neeskens also played for Ajax, playing as right back in their win against Panathinaikos in the 1971 European Cup. He scored a total of 33 goals during his 4 years at the club before moving to Barcelona (playing alongside Cruyff and Marinho Peres), where he was a popular and influential player and received his nickname Johan Segon, or Johan the Second.
After his superb playing career ended, Neeskens held the role of assistant coach for the Netherlands from 1995 to 2000, and was assistant manager to the Australian national team, Barcelona, and Galatasaray in the 2000s. Whilst his managerial career is not often remarked upon – having overseen little success – he remains an exceptionally memorable figure in the Total Football era. A fantastic runner and goalscorer, Neeskens legacy persists long after the end of career, featuring in FourFourTwo’s 100 all-time greatest players list and remaining one of the most notable names in Dutch football. Whilst his brilliance is often overshadowed by Cruyff’s creativity and personality outside the game, Neeskens should be remembered as a critical figure in shaping the style of football which elevated them both to fame and to the extraordinary club and international performances of the 1970s.
“File:Koppen Nederlandse voetballers Johan Neeskens, Bestanddeelnr 254-9535.jpg” by Rob Mieremet / Anefo is marked with CC0 1.0.