A new era for Oranje

The Netherlands have appointed Barcelona legend and former head coach Xavi Hernández as their new national-team manager. The KNVB confirmed the move on Wednesday, ending Xavi’s period away from competitive football since he left Barcelona after the 2023/24 season.

Xavi has agreed to a four-year contract that will run through the 2030 World Cup. He succeeds Ronald Koeman, whose second spell in charge of the Netherlands ended after the summer tournament.

Return to the touchline

The appointment gives Xavi his first managerial role since departing Barcelona. During his time at Camp Nou, he led the club to the 2022/23 LaLiga title and the Supercopa de España, recording 90 wins, 23 draws and 29 defeats in 142 matches across all competitions.

The Netherlands had also been linked with Erik ten Hag, Arne Slot and Roberto Martínez, but ultimately turned to the former Spain international. Xavi will become the first foreign coach to lead the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in 1977–78.

His links with Dutch football run deep. Xavi made his Spain debut against the Netherlands in 2000 and later helped Spain defeat the Oranje in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.

Immediate test against Germany

Xavi’s first major assignment will come on September 24, when the Netherlands host Jürgen Klopp’s Germany in the opening match of their new UEFA Nations League campaign. His contract will also take him through the Netherlands’ Euro 2028 campaign and the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Reports also say Xavi is keen to add another former Barcelona figure, Patrick Kluivert, to his coaching staff. The move represents a significant return to management for Xavi and a new direction for the Dutch national team after Koeman’s departure.