1974 World Cup star is dead: He scored in the final against Germany

Amsterdam (Netherlands) - The soccer world mourns the loss of Johan Neeskens. The Dutch association KNVB announced that the former international player died at the age of 73 during his stay in Algeria for a coaching project.

He was one of the leading wolves of the legendary Dutch national team of the 1970s. The death of Johan Neeskens is causing consternation.
He was one of the leading wolves of the legendary Dutch national team of the 1970s. The death of Johan Neeskens is causing consternation.  © Gabriel DUVAL, Joel ROBINE / AFP

"International soccer is losing a legend. We have no words for this enormous and sudden loss. The world is not only saying goodbye to a gifted sportsman, but above all to a committed, passionate and wonderful person," the KNVB statement read.

Born in Heemstede in northern Holland, the former midfielder played for Ajax Amsterdam and FC Barcelona, among others.

He played a total of 49 international matches between 1970 and 1981 and scored 17 goals. He won the European Cup three times with Ajax Amsterdam (1971, 1972, 1973).

One of the highlights of his active professional career was the 1974 World Cup final against Germany in Munich. In the 2-1 defeat, he converted a penalty to give his team a 1-0 lead.

One of the highlights of his active professional career was the 1974 World Cup final in Munich against Germany, where he scored the Netherlands' opening goal from the spot.
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Four years later, Neeskens was again runner-up in the World Cup after losing 3:1 to hosts Argentina in the final.

After his professional career, Neeskens worked as a coach for various clubs and association teams. FC Barcelona wrote that the legend Neeskens "will always be remembered".