Chavhi appointed as Netherlands coach

Former Spanish international midfielder Xavi Hernandez has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands national team, succeeding Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, according to an announcement by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) yesterday. The 46-year-old manager, who led Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2023, signed a contract running through the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with some matches also held in Latin America. Xavi’s contract will also cover the Netherlands’ campaign in UEFA Euro 2028.

The “maestro” of midfield, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain and played for Barcelona, has not held any coaching position since leaving Camp Nou in 2024.

“As someone who was trained in Barcelona’s academy, deeply influenced by Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, and others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football,” Xavi said. “It can be said that I am a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whose guidance I played my first match for Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, played a major role in shaping me as a player and a coach.”

Koeman resigned after his second stint with the Dutch national team ended with a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the Round of 32. Reports indicated that Arne Slot, the former manager of English club Liverpool, held preliminary talks with the KNVB but chose to remain in club football.

Xavi’s first match in charge will be a UEFA Nations League fixture against Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on September 24.