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**Michael Butler, Tue, Oct 8, 2024, 10:45 EDT, Last modified on Tue, Oct 8, 2024, 11:34 EDT**

As we look back on the remarkable legacy of Johan Neeskens, who sadly passed away earlier this year, it’s a moment to reflect on the extraordinary career that he crafted. Three years ago, Ajax honored his 70th birthday with a poignant video that captured the essence of this footballing icon. The footage prominently displayed Neeskens in his prime: charging down the pitch, skillfully taking on opponents, and striking the ball with a ferocity that was unmatched.

Importantly, Neeskens wasn’t just a dominating force in midfield; he was the cornerstone for Johan Cruyff in three of football’s most illustrious teams: Ajax, Barcelona, and the Dutch national squad. He was the embodiment of football’s duality—excelling in both its artistry and its grit. “If something is really broken, then I’ll tell you not to do it,” Neeskens once stated. “But you can always play with pain.” Within the structured approach of Total Football, Neeskens was the quintessential player, a versatile midfielder who embraced all challenges. He famously remarked, “If someone passes me, he’s basically walking away with a chunk of my salary.”

Over the years, Neeskens amassed several nicknames including “The Dutch Lung,” “Johan the Second,” and “El Toro” during his time at Barcelona. Alongside his former Ajax teammate Velibor Vasovic, he is often hailed as a pioneer of modern pressing. Neeskens had a remarkable knack for retracing opposing playmakers deep into their half, facilitating a cultural shift in how his team approached tactics. “Without even studying it, they started to play offside,” noted Bobby Haarms, Ajax’s legendary assistant manager. “It was miraculous. Michels noticed it and declared: ‘Yes! This is how we have to do it.’ One minute we were employing the old system, and the next, we were seamlessly adopting the new one.”

Fans have countless reasons to hold Neeskens dear, from his humble beginnings to his incredible achievement of three consecutive European Cup titles with Ajax between 1971 and 1973. His iconic sideburns, fierce tackles, and impressive goal-scoring ability only add to his legacy. Who could forget that pivotal penalty kick in the 1974 World Cup final against Sepp Maier? It became a symbolic moment of relief for an entire country. He even had a cheeky habit of sneaking cigarettes during team meetings with Michels, not to mention those candid holiday snapshots with Cruyff.

Neeskens’ impact extended beyond the pitch as well. During the Netherlands’ journey to the 1978 World Cup final, he adopted a local Argentinian boy, making him the team’s mascot. As a coach, he led Barcelona and worked in Australia, earning accolades for his kindness and humility—a quality that left a lasting mark on all who encountered him.

Indeed, Johan Neeskens will be fondly remembered for his myriad contributions to football. His statue at the KNVB Campus, now surrounded by flowers, and the tribute video from Ajax serve as enduring reminders of his significant impact on the game—and his ability to strike a football like few others. Rest in peace, Johan.

**Live Update:** Join Yara El-Shaboury tonight at 8 PM BST for minute-by-minute updates on the Chelsea vs. Real Madrid match in the Women’s Big Cup.

**Quote of the Day:** “Please allow me to be a little emotional today… I never thought this day would come. I never imagined it. Yes, all these tears we have shed these days are tears of emotion, of pride. They are not tears of sadness,” said a tearful Andrés Iniesta as he announced his retirement at age 40. Leo Messi also paid tribute, saying, “The ball will miss you and so will we.”

**Football Daily Letters:**
In response to the discussion about Espanyol’s rescue pups, one reader quipped, “Shouldn’t you now call them ‘Espaniel’?”

Another reader playfully referenced a local derby: “May I mention the derby between Cork sides Cobh Wanderers and Cobh Ramblers—El Clasicobh?”

A clarification regarding a previous query pointed out that the German term for preparing food translates as “making food.”

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