Dutch football legend Johan Neeskens dies at 73

By Can Erozden

Dutch football legend Johan Neeskens died at the age of 73, the country's football body confirmed on Monday.

"We're deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Johan Neeskens. Forever one of our greatest icons. Rest in peace, Johan," the Dutch FA said on X.

His former clubs Dutch giants Ajax and Spanish powerhouse Barcelona also offered condolences on social media.

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Rest in peace, Ajax legend," the Amsterdam-based club said on X.

Barcelona said that the club "deeply regrets" the passing of Neeskens, adding that he will be remembered forever.

Neeskens was one of the key players for the Dutch national team, where he played alongside another football legend Johan Cruyff in the 1970s.

He was also Cruyff's teammate at Barcelona.

Neeskens reached two FIFA World Cup finals with the Netherlands in 1974 and 1978. The former central midfielder scored 17 goals in 49 international appearances for his nation.

Separately, he won three European Cups with Ajax.

After he retired from the game in 1991, Neeskens was the assistant manager of Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona from 2006 to 2008 and Galatasaray from 2009 to 2010.