Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez appointed Netherlands head coach through 2030 World Cup

Xavi Hernandez, the celebrated Spanish midfielder and former Barcelona coach, is set to lead the Netherlands men's national football team. The Dutch football association (KNVB) announced his appointment, with a contract extending through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands men's national team. The 46-year-old Spanish coach takes over from Ronald Koeman. Xavi has reached an agreement with the KNVB on a contract through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Xavi takes over from Ronald Koeman following the Netherlands' unexpected exit in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 46-year-old coach expressed his honor and a profound sense of connection to Dutch football, citing the influence of legends like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, who shaped his development at the FC Barcelona academy.

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It is a great honour to become head coach of the Netherlands national team. As someone who was developed at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from, among others, Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection to Dutch football. You could say I am, in a way, a son of Dutch football.

"You could say I am, in a way, a son of Dutch football," Xavi stated, also acknowledging the impact of coaches like Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard. He articulated his admiration for the Netherlands' football culture, emphasizing its commitment to attacking, possession-based play with creativity and passion. "Of course, the main objective is always to win, but I prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy watching," he added.

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The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that strongly appeals to me: attacking football, based on possession, with creativity, passion and conviction. Of course, the main objective is always to win, but I prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy watching.

Nigel de Jong, the KNVB's Director of Elite Football, emphasized that Xavi's experience as a World Cup winner and his alignment with the team's philosophy of proactive, dominant, and attractive football made him the ideal candidate. De Jong noted Xavi's ability to connect with players and foster a strong group dynamic as key factors in his selection for the upcoming years.

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Every new cycle requires us to take a fresh look at where we want to go, what we need to get there and which available head coach is the best fit. Xavi has experienced and won everything as a player, including a World Cup, multiple league titles and Champions League titles.