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Xavi Hernandez has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands following Ronald Koeman’s departure, with the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) handing the former Barcelona boss a four-year contract through 2030.
The 46-year-old Spaniard will return to coaching after nearly two years away from the dugout since leaving Barcelona in 2024. His first match in charge will be against Germany in the UEFA Nations League on September 24.
Xavi’s appointment marks a rare moment in Dutch football. He is the Netherlands’ first foreign head coach since Austria’s Ernst Happel took charge during the 1978 World Cup.
Welcoming the appointment, Xavi said coaching the Netherlands was a great honour and highlighted the influence of Dutch football legends Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels on his development at Barcelona’s academy.
Interestingly, Xavi’s breakthrough as Barcelona coach also came after Koeman was dismissed in 2021. He left Qatar’s Al Sadd to take charge at Camp Nou and guided Barcelona to the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup in the 2022-23 season.
Before joining Barcelona, Xavi enjoyed a successful spell at Al Sadd, winning seven trophies after beginning his coaching career with the Qatari club in 2019.
As a player, Xavi was one of the most decorated figures in Spanish football. He won numerous major trophies with Barcelona and played a key role in Spain’s victories at the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
Xavi said he sees significant potential in the Netherlands squad and believes his biggest challenge will be building a well-organised team capable of competing strongly at the 2028 European Championship and 2030 World Cup.