Xavi has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands, returning to management more than two years after leaving Barcelona.
The 46-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and becomes the first foreign manager to lead the Dutch national team since Austrian coach Ernst Happel left the role in 1978.
The appointment follows Ronald Koeman’s resignation after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the last 32 of this summer’s World Cup.
Xavi arrives with strong historical links to Dutch football through the philosophy that shaped his career at Barcelona. His development at the club was heavily influenced by the ideas associated with Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, while he also worked under Dutch coaches Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard during his playing career.
His first match in charge will come against Germany in the Nations League on 24 September, where he will face a side managed by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Arne Slot had also been considered for the Netherlands vacancy and held discussions over the position. However, the former Liverpool head coach withdrew from the process because he intends to continue his managerial career in club football.
Xavi’s appointment also carries an unusual connection to one of the most significant moments in Dutch football history. The former midfielder was part of the Spain team that defeated the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final, helping his country secure its first world title.
After retiring as a player in 2019, Xavi began his coaching career with Al-Sadd in Qatar. He returned to Barcelona as manager in November 2021 and guided the club to the La Liga championship during his first full season in charge.
He left Barcelona in 2024 and has not managed another team since. The Netherlands position therefore represents both his return to coaching and his first job in international management.