Soccer Greats: Johann Neeskens

Johannes Jacobus Neeskens, or better known as Johan Neeskens, is a Dutch soccer manager and former player.

Neeskens was born on September 15, 1951 in Heemstede, Netherlands. Neeskens started his career with RCH Heemstede in 1968. The impressive 17 year old caught the attention of Rinus Michels, who signed the youngster with Ajax in 1970. Neeskens started with Ajax as a right-back and helped the club won the 1971 European Cup. In the following season, Neeskens spent more time as a midfielder to support the club’s other Johan, Johan Cruyff, in the team’s Total Football system. The changed paid off, and Ajax won two more UEFA Champions in 1972 and 1973. With the two Johans, Neeskens was often referred to as Johan Segon (Johan the Second).

Neeskens continued his club career with Barcelona in 1979. His highlight in his five seasons with Barça was winning the Copa del Rey in 1978 and the UEFA Cup Winner’s Cup in 1979. Neeskens flew halfway around the world to join the New York Cosmos from 1979 to 1984, and then played for FC Groningen, Minnesota Strikers, Fort Lauderdale Sun, and winding down his career with Löwenbrau, FC Baar, and FC Zug.

Neeskens collected 49 caps for his country and scored 17 goals. He debuted in 1974 against East Germany and scored crucial goals in the 1974 and 1978 World Cup games. Neeskens scored the opening goal in the 1974 World Cup final in the 80th second in the Oranje’s unfortunate loss to West Germany. In 1978, although Neeskens again played an important role in the World Cup, it was not enough for Netherlands to win against host nation Argentina. Neeskens never saw another World Cup final, although he did play in th 1982 World Cup qualifier game against France.

Neeskens hung up his boots in 1991. He then turned to coaching for clubs as well as becoming the assistant manager for national teams including Netherlands and Australia. He is currently the assistant manager Galatassaray SK. As a tribute to his talents, Pelé named Neeskens as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in 2004.