Xavi (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Xavi Hernández has signed a contract until the 2030 World Cup and becomes the Netherlands' first foreign national team coach in more than half a century.
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Xavi Hernández is the new coach of the Netherlands national team. The Dutch have made one of the most surprising managerial appointments of the year, handing the former Barcelona coach a contract that runs until the end of the 2030 World Cup.
On the surface, appointing a Spanish coach to lead Oranje represents a major break with Dutch tradition. From a football perspective, though, the connection is obvious.
Xavi grew up inside the football philosophy shaped by Johan Cruyff, while Dutch coaches such as Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard played important roles during his Barcelona career.
Now the Dutch federation has entrusted him with bringing those ideas to the national team.
Netherlands considered several major names
Xavi was not the only high-profile coach considered for the position.
Roberto Martínez and Van Gaal were linked with the job, while talks were also reportedly held with Arne Slot.
The Dutch ultimately chose Xavi, who had recently made clear that he was ready to return to coaching.
The former Barcelona and Spain midfielder had previously rejected opportunities in international football because he preferred working at club level.
His perspective changed after following the 2026 World Cup, with Xavi becoming increasingly attracted to the idea of managing a national team.
The Netherlands have now given him that opportunity, and with it responsibility for one of the most famous footballing nations in the world.
First foreign Netherlands coach since 1978
Xavi's appointment is historic for another reason.
He becomes the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since 1978.
The last was legendary Austrian coach Ernst Happel, who guided Oranje to the World Cup final that year.
Happel's Netherlands eventually lost the final to hosts Argentina after extra time.
Almost five decades later, another foreign coach has been given control of Oranje, and Xavi has signed a deal designed to take him all the way to another World Cup.
Xavi: "I am a son of your football"
During his presentation, Xavi explained why he feels such a strong connection with Dutch football despite being one of the most recognizable figures in Spanish football history.
"It is a great honour to become the coach of the Dutch national team. As someone who trained in football at the Barcelona academy and was greatly influenced by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football."
He then delivered a sentence that immediately attracted attention in the Netherlands.
"You could say that I am a son of your football."
Xavi also acknowledged the influence of two Dutch coaches who played major roles in his development at Barcelona.
"Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, have also played an important role in my development."
From Barcelona to Oranje
Xavi built his reputation as a coach in Qatar with Al Sadd before returning to Barcelona in 2021.
His biggest achievement with the Catalan club came when he guided Barcelona to the La Liga title.
His coaching philosophy has always been closely associated with positional football, possession and control, principles deeply connected with both Barcelona and the Dutch school of football.
That philosophical connection appears to have played an important role in the Netherlands' decision.
Germany awaits in Xavi's first match
Xavi will not receive a gentle introduction to international management.
His first match in charge will come in the UEFA Nations League on September 24, when the Netherlands host Germany.
It will provide an immediate examination of Xavi's ideas and the beginning of a project designed around one ultimate objective: the 2030 World Cup.