Xavi Hernandez Becomes Netherlands Coach, Ends Nearly 50-Year Foreign-Born Coach Wait

Spain great Xavi Hernandez has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands, becoming the first foreign-born manager to lead the Dutch national team in nearly five decades. The 46-year-old has signed a contract through the 2030 World Cup, succeeding Ronald Koeman.

Xavi's appointment is particularly intriguing given his history with the Netherlands. He was part of the Spain team that defeated the Dutch in the 2010 World Cup final, inflicting their third defeat in a World Cup title match. Fifteen years later, he will now attempt to lead the Netherlands to international success from the dugout.

The former Barcelona midfielder has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in May 2024. He said he felt a special connection with Dutch football because of the influence of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels on the footballing philosophy that shaped his development at Barcelona.

“You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football,” Xavi said. He also credited Louis van Gaal, under whom he made his Barcelona debut, and Frank Rijkaard for influencing him as both a player and coach.

Xavi said he wanted his Netherlands side to embrace the country's traditional style of attacking, possession-based football, while also maintaining the flexibility required in modern elite football. He stressed that winning would remain the priority but said he wanted the team to play in a way supporters could enjoy.

Nigel de Jong, the Dutch federation's director of elite football, backed the appointment, praising Xavi's vision of dominant and attractive football and his ability to connect with players.

Xavi spent 17 years at Barcelona before ending his playing career at Al Sadd, where he later became coach. His biggest challenge now will be rebuilding the Netherlands after their Round of 32 World Cup exit to Morocco on penalties.