Johan Neeskens Football player, midfielder Date of Birth: 15.09.1951 Country: Netherlands

1. Johan Neeskens: Iconic Dutch Footballer and Coach
2. Club Career: Success at Ajax and Barcelona
3. International Career: Key Role in World Cup Campaigns
4. Coaching Career: Assistant and Head Coach Roles

Johan Neeskens: Iconic Dutch Footballer and Coach

Johan Neeskens, a renowned Dutch footballer and coach, was born in Heemstede, North Holland. His illustrious career began at local club RKH in 1968. In 1970, at the age of 19, Neeskens joined Ajax, impressing then-manager Rinus Michels with his exceptional right-wing play.

Club Career: Success at Ajax and Barcelona

Neeskens quickly became a regular starter for Ajax, winning the 1971 European Cup after defeating Panathinaikos in the final. In the 1971/72 season, he transitioned to a central midfield role, supporting Johan Cruyff. In 1974, Neeskens followed Cruyff and former Ajax manager Rinus Michels to Barcelona, becoming known as "Johan II" due to the presence of another Johan in the team.

Despite Barcelona's struggles domestically against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Neeskens managed to secure a Copa del Rey victory in 1978. He also led the team to victory in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final, overcoming West Germany's Fortuna Düsseldorf. In 1979, Neeskens accepted an offer to join the New York Cosmos in the United States.

During his five years with the Cosmos, Neeskens played alongside renowned footballers such as Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, and Vladislav Bogicevic. He helped the team win the NASL Championship in 1980. Neeskens concluded his playing career with stints at Groningen (1984-1985), Minnesota Strikers (1985), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1986), Löwenbräu (1986-1987), Baar (1987-1990), and Zug (1990-1991).

International Career: Key Role in World Cup Campaigns

Neeskens earned 49 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring 17 goals. Notably, all his goals came within his first 31 appearances, before the age of 25. He made his debut in a match against East Germany and played a pivotal role in the center of midfield during the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups.

In the 1974 World Cup final against West Germany, Neeskens opened the scoring with a penalty in the second minute. However, the Germans rallied to win thanks to goals from Paul Breitner and Gerd Müller. Four years later, despite playing with a broken rib, Neeskens once again reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands. However, they were once again defeated, this time by Argentina in extra time with a score of 1-3.

Coaching Career: Assistant and Head Coach Roles

At the request of Guus Hiddink, Neeskens served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team alongside Frank Rijkaard and Ronald Koeman during the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the tournament itself. After Hiddink's departure, Neeskens continued in the same role under Rijkaard until 2000.

Neeskens later became head coach of NEC Nijmegen but was dismissed in 2004 due to poor results. In December 2005, he was appointed as assistant coach of the Australian national team under Hiddink. Following a successful 2006 World Cup campaign, Neeskens rejoined Barcelona as part of their technical staff, replacing Henk ten Cate. However, due to the team's poor performance over two seasons, he was let go in 2008.

In 2011, Neeskens was appointed head coach of South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, where he remained until 2012.