Former Barcelona manager Xavi has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands on a four-year contract, becoming the first non-Dutchman to lead the national team since Austrian coach Ernst Happel left the position in 1978.
The 46-year-old former Spain international succeeds Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Xavi said taking charge of the Dutch national team was a major honour and highlighted his strong connection with the country’s football philosophy.
“I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team,” Xavi said.
The former Barcelona midfielder said his football education had been heavily influenced by Dutch ideas, particularly through the philosophies of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels.
“As someone who received his training at Barca’s academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football,” he added.
“You could say that I am partly a son of Dutch football.”
Xavi also credited former Manchester United and Bayern Munich manager Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard with influencing his development. Van Gaal gave him his Barcelona debut, while Rijkaard later played an important role in his development at the Catalan club.
The Spaniard will begin his tenure with a Nations League fixture against Germany, managed by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, on September 24.
Xavi’s appointment comes after former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot emerged as another candidate for the role. Slot confirmed he held talks about the position but ultimately withdrew, saying he wanted his next managerial job to remain in club football.
Xavi enjoyed a decorated playing career with Barcelona and Spain, winning 25 major honours at club level and three international trophies.
He was part of the Spain side that defeated the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
After retiring from playing in 2019, Xavi began his managerial career with Qatari club Al-Sadd before returning to Barcelona as manager in November 2021.
He guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge, adding to an already distinguished football career.
His move to the Netherlands now brings him into a national football environment deeply associated with the possession-based, attacking philosophy that influenced his own development as a player.
