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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Netherlands legend Neeskens dies at 73</li><li>Barcelona and Ajax lead tributes</li><li>Netherlands squad hold minute's silence</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Barcelona and Ajax lead tributes to 'legend' Johan Neeskens after Netherlands icon dies suddenly aged 73

<p>Neeskens played a key role in the Ajax and Netherlands teams credited with popularising "Total Football" in the 1970s, playing alongside Johan Cruyff as the Dutch side reached the World Cup final in 1974 and 1978. The former midfielder also played a major part in Barcelona's history and spent five seasons at the club, winning the Copa del Rey. Tributes have now flown in for the legendary midfielder.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Dutch FA (KNVB) said in a statement on Monday: “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.</p><p>“Words fail to capture the enormity and suddenness of this loss. Our thoughts are with his wife Marlis, his children, family, and friends. The world not only says goodbye to a gifted sportsman but above all, to a compassionate, driven, and wonderful person.”</p>

DUTCH FA ISSUE STATEMENT

<p>Neeskens made the most appearances for Barcelona and Ajax and the two sides have now led the tributes for the former midfielder.</p><p>"FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Johan Neeskens. A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace," read a statement from the Catalan club.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of Johan Neeskens. <br><br>A blaugrana legend who will forever be in our memory. Rest in peace. <a href="https://t.co/O0Eu9tPk2P">pic.twitter.com/O0Eu9tPk2P</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1843294240920764770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Johan Neeskens. Our thoughts are with his family at this time ♥️<br><br>Rest in peace, Ajax legend. <a href="https://t.co/IXsuVCHDee">pic.twitter.com/IXsuVCHDee</a></p>— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFCAjax/status/1843291991054127463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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TRIBUTES FROM FORMER CLUBS

<p>Ahead of their first training session on Monday afternoon, the Netherlands squad met up on the training field and held a minute's silence in honour of the Dutch legend.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/swwkmlQu9B">pic.twitter.com/swwkmlQu9B</a></p>— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnsOranje/status/1843338098681491772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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NETHERLANDS SQUAD HOLD MINUTE'S SILENCE

Barcelona and Ajax lead tributes to 'legend' Johan Neeskens after Netherlands icon dies suddenly aged 73 | Goal.com

Ajax and Barcelona have paid tribute to Netherlands legend Johan Neeskens who has died at the age of 73.