Johnny Rep

Lore & Background

Rep played as a right-footed striker in the Dutch World Cup teams of 1974 and 1978. He scored the winning goal for Ajax Amsterdam against Juventus in the 1973 European Cup Final. His pairing with Rob Rensenbrink was seen as an offensive powerhouse. He said his time at Valencia was not good and that SC Bastia suited him best. After Bastia, he played for De Graafschap (1983–1984) before joining AS Saint-Étienne in 1984, well after Michel Platini had left the club in 1982.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights of De Philips Stadion hummed against the cool evening air as the 1975 season reached its climax. Johnny Rep stood over the ball, the weight of the city on his shoulders. With a defender closing in, he didn't panic; instead, he feinted left, rolled the ball with the outside of his right foot, and accelerated past the marker into open space. The crowd roared as he approached the goal, his eyes locked on the top corner. A gentle tap, a moment of silence, then pure ecstasy. The Prince had crowned Eindhoven champions once again.

Reader's Guide

Rep's career included Ajax (Eredivisie titles 1971–72, 1972–73; European Cup 1971–72, 1972–73; European Super Cup 1972, 1973; Intercontinental Cup 1972), Bastia (UEFA Cup runner-up 1977–78), Saint-Étienne (French Division 1 1980–81), and the Netherlands (FIFA World Cup runner-up 1974, 1978; UEFA European Championship third place 1976; Tournoi de Paris 1978). He was named French Division 1 Foreign Player of the Year 1977–78.

Did You Know?

• Rep is included in the 'Classic Netherlands' team in Pro Evolution Soccer 6 under the name 'Rak'.
• He is the namesake of the Irish indie pop band Jonny Rep.
• A song named in his honour was written by French rock band Mickey 3D.
• In 2024, Wilfred Genee released the single 'Johnny Rep', an adaptation of 'Johnny Däpp' by Lorenz Büffel.