Xavi Hernández named Netherlands coach through 2030

Xavi Hernández named Netherlands coach through 2030

Posted on 8/12/2026, 5:56 PM AST | Updated on 8/12/2026, 5:56 PM AST

AMSTERDAM - Xavi Hernández has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands national team, signing a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup. The 46-year-old former Barcelona star succeeds Ronald Koeman.

Xavi becomes the Netherlands’ first foreign national-team coach since Ernst Happel in 1978. As a player, he won four Champions League titles with Barcelona, the 2010 World Cup with Spain and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. As a coach, he led Barcelona to the Spanish league title in 2023.

Xavi said his football education at Barcelona, strongly influenced by Dutch figures including Johan Cruijff, Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard, gives him a special connection with Dutch football.

The KNVB wants Xavi to restore a recognizable attacking identity to the national team, based on possession, initiative, creativity and dominant football.

He will be officially presented in Zeist on Tuesday, August 25.