Xavi appointed Netherlands coach as foreign media hail surprise choice

Xavi Hernández has been appointed Netherlands head coach, ending a run of 19 Dutch national-team coaches, including interim appointments. The former Barcelona midfielder succeeds Ronald Koeman for the second time in his coaching career, having also replaced him at the Catalan club in 2021.

VI reports that Xavi was not the KNVB’s first choice. The Dutch association held extensive talks with Arne Slot, but he preferred another position in club football. Michael Reiziger was also consulted, while Roberto Martínez was among the other names linked with the vacancy. Reports carried by VI say Xavi has signed through to the 2030 World Cup.

The appointment is Xavi’s third senior coaching job. He previously managed Al-Sadd in Qatar and Barcelona, winning a league title with both clubs. He had been out of coaching since leaving Barcelona in 2024. According to French newspaper L’Équipe, as cited by VI, the 44-year-old is the first foreign coach to lead Oranje since Austrian Ernst Happel in 1978.

Several European outlets described the KNVB’s decision as unexpected. Belgian newspaper HLN highlighted Xavi’s stature as a Barcelona great, while Germany’s Bild called the appointment a major coaching surprise. Xavi’s first Netherlands match is scheduled to be against Germany in Amsterdam on 24 September in the Nations League, when Jürgen Klopp is also due to make his debut as Germany coach.