Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as Ronald Koeman’s successor as head coach of the Netherlands national team, the country’s football association announced on Wednesday. The Barcelona legend, who lifted the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain as a player, returns to management for the first time since leaving the Catalan club in 2024.
The 46-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Netherlands and will lead the Oranje through their UEFA Euro 2028 and 2030 FIFA World Cup campaigns. Before taking charge at Barcelona, Xavi began his coaching career in Qatar with Al Sadd, where he enjoyed a successful spell after also finishing his playing career with the club.
“As someone who received his training at the Barcelona academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football,” Xavi said. “You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football.”
He further noted the impact of his mentors on his professional development. “Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach,” Xavi added regarding his tactical influences.
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