Xavi Hernandez Appointed Head Coach of Netherlands National Team
Xavi Hernandez has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Netherlands national soccer team, as announced on Wednesday. He takes over from Ronald Koeman, who left the position following the team's elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
The 46-year-old Spaniard is the first non-Dutch manager to lead the men's Oranje team since 1978. Xavi has been out of management since departing Barcelona in May 2024 and recently interviewed with KNVB officials regarding the coaching vacancy.
During his coaching career, Xavi led Qatari club Al Sadd before taking charge of Barcelona, where he secured a La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup. As a player, he represented Spain 133 times, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships. The Netherlands is set to face Germany in UEFA Nations League action on September 24.