Johan Neeskens dead at 73: Barcelona and Ajax legend who starred with Johan Cruyff dies unexpectedly

DUTCH football icon Johan Neeskens has died aged 73.

The former Barcelona and Ajax star was nicknamed “Johan II” after being likened to fellow Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff.

A statement from the Dutch FA read: “The KNVB was deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Johan Neeskens.

“Johan was one of our greatest. We will miss him tremendously.

“We wish his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovée, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss.

“Rest in peace, Johan.”

Neeskens made 49 appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring 17 goals in the process.

He represented the nation in two World Cups and one European Championship.

At club level Neeskens starred for both Barcelona and Ajax, similarly to Cruyff, as well as spending a number of years playing in the United States towards the twilight of his career.

The midfielder was a three-time European champion with Ajax as well as winning the Dutch first division twice.

While his time in Spain with Barcelona saw him lift the Spanish Cup and the Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup.

Neeskens hung up his boots in 1991 at Swiss club Zug 94, having made nearly 500 club appearances across a 23-year career.

But he didn’t step away from football completely, making the transition into coaching that same year and taking over at Zug as manager.

His coaching career saw him spend five years as assistant manager of the Dutch national side, two years as the second in command at Barcelona and a season as assistant with Turkish giants Galatasaray – spending most of his time alongside Frank Rijkaard.

On the pitch Neeskens was famous for having a fantastic relationship the middle of the park with Cruyff, with the pair often commended for their “total football”.

Neeskens leaves behind his wife Marlis, four children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand and two grandchildren Djoy and Lovee

Former club Ajax led tributes for the legend online, writing: “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.”

While Barcelona posted: “FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Johan Neeskens.

“A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace.”