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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport

Johan Neeskens, former Netherlands and Ajax midfielder, dies aged 73

Johan Neeskens playing for the Netherlands at Wembley in 1977.
Johan Neeskens playing for the Netherlands at Wembley in 1977. Photograph: Colorsport/Shutterstock

The former Netherlands international Johan Neeskens has died at the age of 73. The midfielder was part of the generation that were credited with introducing “total football” and part of the team that reached two consecutive World Cup finals in the 1970s.

The Dutch FA (KNVB) said in a statement: “The KNVB was shocked yesterday morning by the news that Johan Neeskens has suddenly passed away at the age of 73. During the last couple of days he was in Algeria, working for the KNVB’s World Coaches program, where he became unwell. Unfortunately, medical help could not make a difference for him.”

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