Xavi Hernández has been unveiled as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, signing a four-year contract that will run through the 2030 World Cup. The 46-year-old Spaniard becomes the first non-Dutch manager to lead the Oranje since Austrian Ernst Happel departed in 1978, marking a notable break from tradition for the Dutch Football Association (KNVB).
Xavi steps into the role vacated by Ronald Koeman, who resigned following the Netherlands' last-32 exit at the hands of Morocco during this summer's World Cup. The appointment represents Xavi's first managerial post since leaving Barcelona in 2024, ending a spell away from the touchline.
As a player, Xavi built a legendary career, most of it at Barcelona, where he made 767 appearances. He was a key figure in Spain's golden generation, lifting the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in both 2008 and 2012. Notably, he was on the winning side against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg.
His coaching journey began at Qatari club Al Sadd before he took the reins at Barcelona in November 2021, once again succeeding Koeman. During his time in Catalonia, he steered the club to the La Liga title in the 2022-23 season.
Despite his Spanish roots, Xavi expressed a deep affinity for Dutch football philosophy, crediting the influence of figures central to the Netherlands' footballing identity.