Xavi appointed Netherlands head coach in shock move

Xavi takes charge through to 2030

Former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands on a four-year deal. The 46-year-old, who played for Barcelona and Spain, has agreed a contract to lead the team through to the 2030 World Cup.

Xavi becomes the first non-Dutch coach to take charge of the Netherlands since Austrian coach Ernst Happel stepped down in 1978. He replaces Ronald Koeman, who stepped down as head coach following the team's last-32 exit to Morocco at this summer's World Cup.

'A bit of a son of Dutch football'

"I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team," Xavi said in a statement released by the Dutch Football Association.

"As someone who received his training at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football.

"You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barca, and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach."

First job since leaving Barcelona

Xavi's appointment marks his first return to management since leaving Barcelona in 2024. Roberto Martinez was another name in the running, while ex-Liverpool boss Arne Slot withdrew from the race, citing his priority as remaining in the club game.

As a player, the former Barcelona midfielder won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and lifted the European Championship in 2008 and 2012. As a manager, he guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2023 after beginning his managerial career with Qatari club Al Sadd.