In a genuinely stunning development, Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez has accepted a position to take charge of Barcelona Femení — the club's women's first team — a surprise move that no one in the football world saw coming.

The former midfielder returns to the Camp Nou in a completely new capacity, and the news first broke via FotMob and Sports Illustrated reporters on the scene.

A new chapter for the club legend

Xavi, who made over 700 appearances for the Blaugrana during a glittering playing career, was believed to be on the verge of a first senior head coaching role before this shock announcement arrived. While speculation had swirled about a return to Spain, few could have predicted the 45-year-old would be unveiled as the successor in the feminine dugout.

The announcement has quite literally stunned supporters, with many taking to social media to express a mixture of bewilderment and excitement. Nevertheless, the club is backing their legend, and early reports from the training ground suggest his meticulous, possession-based philosophy is already rubbing off on the squad.

Xavi's appointment represents one of the most high-profile and surprising managerial appointments of recent times, and all eyes will now turn to the fixture list to see when he takes charge of his first competitive clash.