Netherlands hire Xavi as coach through 2030 World Cup

Former Barcelona player and coach Xavi Hernandez has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands national team, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced on Wednesday.

The 46-year-old Spaniard signed a contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, replacing Ronald Koeman.

Xavi called the appointment "a great honor," saying his football education at Barcelona, shaped by Dutch icons including Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, had given him a lifelong connection to Dutch football.

"You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football," Xavi said, also crediting Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard as major influences on his development as both a player and coach.

"The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that also appeals to me enormously: attacking football based on possession, with creativity, passion and conviction," he added.

KNVB technical director Nigel de Jong said Xavi's philosophy aligned with the federation's vision for the national team, citing his commitment to proactive, possession-based football while retaining the tactical flexibility needed at the highest level.

The appointment marks Xavi's first role in international management. He began his coaching career with Qatar's Al Sadd in 2019 before returning to Barcelona in November 2021. During his two-and-a-half seasons in charge, he led the Catalan club to the 2022-23 La Liga title, its first league championship since 2019, and the Spanish Super Cup before departing at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Xavi made 767 competitive appearances for Barcelona, winning eight La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns.

At international level, he earned 133 caps for Spain and played a central role in the country's most successful era, helping La Roja win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back UEFA European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012.