A former Mamelodi Sundowns manager has passed away.
Johan Neeskens, who coached the Brazilians between July 2011 and December 2012, passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday morning, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed in a statement.
We're deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Johan Neeskens.Forever one of our greatest icons.Rest in peace, Johan. ?? pic.twitter.com/JHlyWlOGWb
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 7, 2024
The official communication adds that he had been active for KNVB World Coaches in Algeria over the last few days when he became unwell.
The former Ajax Amsterdam star spent 520 days in charge of Masandawana, winning 18 of the 50 encounters he oversaw, and drawing 16.
"His name is forever linked to European successes in club football with Ajax and Barcelona and two World Cup finals for the Dutch national team," the KNVB said in the statement.
"Neeskens played 49 international matches and, with his characteristic tackles, sublime insight and iconic penalties, will forever remain one of the leading players that Dutch football has ever produced.
"After his more than impressive career as a player that took him to many places in the world, he became a club coach, coach of national youth teams and assistant national coach under Frank Rijkaard.
"... The KNVB wishes his wife Marlis, his children Christian, Tamara, Bianca and Armand, his grandchildren Djoy and Lovee, relatives and friends much strength in bearing this great loss."
Despite a good coaching career that saw him take on the role of assistant manager at Galatasaray and Barca, as well as the Netherlands national team from 1996 to 2000, it is his achievements as a player that really stand out.
He won a whopping three UEFA Champions League trophies and two Eredivisie titles during his days at Ajax.
The former midfielder also spent four years at the Camp Nou, where he won a domestic cup, and the Catalan giants have already paid tribute to the three-time UCL winner.
"FC Barcelona deeply regrets the death of Johan Neeskens," the club said on social media.
"A Barca legend that will always be in our memory. Rest in peace."
El FC Barcelona lamenta profundamente la muerte de Johan Neeskens.Una leyenda azulgrana que estará siempre en nuestro recuerdo. Descanse en paz. pic.twitter.com/0geS91JVIh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) October 7, 2024