Xavi Hernández Named Head Coach of the Netherlands Football Team
Former Barcelona star and Spanish football legend Xavi Hernández has embarked on a new chapter in his managerial career, as he has been officially appointed the head coach of the Netherlands national team.
Amid rumors linking former Portugal, Belgium, and Everton manager Roberto Martínez to the role, the Dutch football federation has chosen the 46-year-old to lead the team into a new phase following a disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup.
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The Netherlands faced a setback in North America, where they were eliminated in the Round of 32 due to a shootout loss against Morocco. In light of this, the federation decided against hiring a former manager, opting instead for fresh leadership.
Xavi, whose contract extends through the 2030 World Cup, brings a wealth of managerial experience after ending his playing career in 2019. He first took the reins at Al-Sadd, where he managed until 2021, before moving to Barcelona, a position he holds until 2024. During his tenure, he guided the club to victory in both La Liga and the Supercopa during the 2022/23 season.
This latest appointment continues a longstanding connection among the Netherlands, Spain, and Barcelona, reinforcing the ties between these footballing powerhouses.
Former Barcelona icon and Spanish great Xavi Hernández continues his managerial journey after being officially named as the next head coach of the Netherlands.
Despite recent speculation linking Oranje to former Portugal, Belgium, and Everton boss Roberto Martínez, the Netherlands have instead turned to the 46-year-old as their next cycle begins after a disappointing 2026 World Cup.
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The Netherlands, ousted from the summer showcase in North America in a Round of 32 shootout loss against Morocco, opted to avoid heading down a well-trodden path of former managers.
Xavi, who signed on the dotted line through the 2030 World Cup, brings considerable managerial experience with him after hanging up his boots in 2019.
Since then, the Terrassa native managed Al-Sadd immediately after retiring until 2021, before taking up his desired post at Barcelona until 2024, leading the club to La Liga and Supercopa success across the 2022/23 campaign.
His appointment to head up the Dutch national team continues a long tradition connecting the Netherlands, Spain, and Barcelona.
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