The Netherlands have appointed Barcelona great Xavi Hernández as the national team’s new coach following the resignation of Ronald Koeman after a disappointing FIFA World Cup.
Xavi, 46, returns to management after two years out of the game following his dismissal as Barça coach in 2024.
He has agreed a four-year year contract with the Netherlands and is set to oversee the team through the European Championships in 2028 and the World Cup in 2030.
“I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team,” Xavi said upon his appointment. “As someone who received his training at Barça’s academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football.
“You could say that I am a partly a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barça, and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach.”