Xavi Named Oranje Coach: “A Tremendous Honour”

Xavi returns to coaching with Netherlands after Barca exit

Former Barcelona boss Xavi takes over as Netherlands manager. Ons Oranje appoint Xavi Hernandez as head coach after World Cup exit

“The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that really appeals to me...”

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been named the new head coach of the Netherlands national team.

The 46-year-old Spanish football legend has agreed to a 4-year deal with the Royal Dutch Football Association, KNVB.

Xavi had been without a job since departing FC Barcelona in 2024. During his time at the Catalan club, the ex-midfielder guided them to the Spanish Super Cup and LaLiga title in 2022/23. However, Barca sacked him just days after a second-place league finish, 10 points adrift of champions Real Madrid.

The Netherlands began searching for a new coach after Ronald Koeman stepped down following the team’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup. After topping Group F, the Oranje were eliminated in the round of 32 by Morocco, who advanced on penalties.

The KNVB are said to have approached Erik ten Hag, Arne Slot, Peter Bosz and Pep Guardiola. Louis van Gaal also showed interest in the role, and Roberto Martinez was reportedly contacted as recently as this week.

Ultimately, the Dutch FA opted for Xavi, who shared his excitement about taking charge.

“I consider it a tremendous honour to become the head coach of the Dutch national team,” Xavi said on the KNVB's website.

“As someone who trained at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, among others, I feel a special connection to Dutch football. You could say I’m a bit of a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches as well - especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard - have played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach.”

Xavi hung up his boots in 2019 and began coaching with Al Sadd in Qatar, the same club where he finished his playing career. Following two years there, he returned to Barcelona in 2021 on a three-year deal.

The ex-European and World Cup winner will reportedly have Patrick Kluivert on his staff. Kluivert joins after a stint as Indonesia head coach from January to October 2025.

We proudly present our new head coach. 🇳🇱⁰⁰Welcome, Xavi Hernández! 🧡#NothingLikeOranje #Xavi2030 pic.twitter.com/9aOpc9J53S

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) August 12, 2026

Drawn to Dutch Style

“The Netherlands has a rich football culture and a clear vision that really appeals to me: attacking football, based on possession, with creativity, passion, and conviction,” Xavi said. The new Netherlands boss has long been a vocal admirer of Johan Cruyff and his philosophy.

“Of course, the most important goal is and always will be to win, but I prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy. The potential for that is there, as is a solid foundation to build upon. I look forward to taking on this challenge together with the players, the staff, and everyone at the KNVB.”

Former Netherlands international Nigel de Jong, now KNVB director, spoke about Xavi’s appointment and outlined how the hiring process unfolded.

“Every new cycle calls for us to reassess where we want to go, what we need to get there, and which of the available national team managers is the best fit. As a player alone, Xavi has experienced and won it all, with a World Cup title, multiple domestic league titles and Champions League titles to his name,” De Jong said.

Xavi! 👋#NothingLikeOranje #Xavi2030 pic.twitter.com/plAKCCM9Tf

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) August 12, 2026

Xavi will take charge for the first time when the Netherlands host Germany in the UEFA Nations League at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on September 24th.