Former Sundowns head coach Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73 FILE - Former Sundowns head coach Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73. Photo: Phill Magakoe/Independent Newspapers Archives
The Dutch football association announced on Monday that former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Johan Neeskens has died suddenly at the age of 73.
Neeskens, a Dutch football legend, played 49 times for his country, and was on the losing side in two World Cup Final in 1974 and 1978.
“The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) was shocked yesterday morning by the news that Johan Neeskens has suddenly passed away at the age of 73,” read a statement by the Dutch federation on Monday.
FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Johan Neeskens.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 7, 2024
A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/O0Eu9tPk2P
“During the last couple of days he was in Algeria, working for the KNVB WorldCoaches program, where he became unwell. Unfortunately, medical help couldn’t make a difference for him.
“With the passing of Johan Neeskens, the Dutch and international football world has lost a legend. His name is forever linked to European successes with clubs like Ajax and Barcelona and two World Cup finals for the Dutch national team.“
Between 2006 and 2008, Neeskens was Frank Rijkaard’s assistant head coach at Barcelona, and won the UEFA Champions League after beating Arsenal in the final.
In 2011, he landed the Mamelodi Sundowns job, and was in charge of the team when they famously beat Powerlines FC 24-0 in the Nedbank Cup. He was unfortunately fired that season after a string of poor results.
After leaving Sundowns, Neeskens joined the KNVB WorldCoaches programme, with the aim of training coaches in low- and middle-income countries.
In a distinguished playing career, Neeskens spent the prime of his years with Spanish giants Barcelona, but it’s at Ajax Amsterdam where he had the biggest impact. Alongside the great Johan Cruyff, Neskeens was a key cog in the Ajax side that won three consecutive European Cup (now Champions League) titles.
Neeskens is survived by his wife Marlis, children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, and grandchildren Djoy and Lovée.
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