Former Barcelona boss Xavi appointed Netherlands head coach until 2030 World Cup

Xavi Hernández has been named the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, becoming the country’s first foreign manager in almost five decades after signing a contract until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The former Barcelona midfielder succeeds Ronald Koeman and is the first overseas-born coach to lead the Dutch men’s national side since Austrian Ernst Happel stepped down after the 1978 World Cup.

The 46-year-old inherits one of Europe’s strongest squads, with stars including Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven and Jurriën Timber expected to form the backbone of his team.

Speaking after his appointment, Xavi described the role as a special moment in his career and highlighted the influence Dutch football has had on his development.

“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.”

The Spaniard also confirmed that he intends to include Dutch coaches in his backroom staff to combine local knowledge with his own footballing philosophy.

“The intention is to put together a coaching staff that also includes Dutch input. Specific knowledge of the game, the players and the culture is of great value.”

Xavi enjoyed one of football’s most decorated playing careers, spending 17 seasons with Barcelona and helping Spain win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Nicknamed “The Puppet Master” for his ability to control games from midfield, he played a pivotal role in Spain’s historic triumph in South Africa.

His coaching career began at Al Sadd in Qatar in 2019, where he won multiple domestic trophies before returning to Barcelona as head coach in November 2021.

During his spell at Camp Nou, Xavi guided Barcelona to the 2022-23 La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, restoring domestic success to the Catalan giants before leaving the club.

He now begins a new chapter in international football, with the Dutch Football Association placing its faith in the Spaniard to lead the Oranje through the 2030 World Cup cycle.