13 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Netherlands have appointed Spanish football great Xavi Hernández as their new head coach, giving the former Barcelona manager his first international coaching job. He has signed a contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Historic Appointment
Xavi becomes the first foreign-born coach of the Netherlands since Austrian Ernst Happel, who led the Dutch side in 1978. The appointment ends a 48-year spell during which the national team was coached by Dutch-born managers.
Xavi Replaces Ronald Koeman
The 46-year-old Spaniard succeeds Ronald Koeman, who left the position after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
A Coach Shaped by Dutch Football
Xavi has spoken highly of the Netherlands’ football philosophy, with Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels among the Dutch figures who influenced his understanding of the game.
His preferred approach is based on possession, attacking football, creativity and control, making the appointment a natural philosophical fit with the Netherlands’ footballing tradition.
Xavi’s Coaching Career
Xavi began his coaching career with Al-Sadd in Qatar before taking charge of Barcelona in 2021.
During his Barcelona tenure, he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023 before leaving the club in 2024.
First Test Comes Against Germany
Xavi’s first match in charge of the Netherlands will be against Germany on September 24 in the UEFA Nations League.
His long-term assignment will include building the team toward Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.