The Netherlands have chosen a Barcelona great to take charge of their national side in what is being seen as the start of an ambitious new phase, officially naming Xavi Hernandez as their new head coach. After a long search to find Ronald Koeman’s successor, the iconic former midfielder has signed up for a long-term project that will put him in charge of Oranje across the next two major tournament cycles.

Xavi has signed a long-term contract with Oranje.

In a decision that has created major waves across European football, the KNVB has confirmed Xavi as the new head coach of the Netherlands. The 46-year-old Catalan takes over from Koeman, who left after Oranje were knocked out in the round of 32 by Morocco at this summer’s World Cup. Xavi has signed a detailed agreement that will keep him in the role until 2030, meaning he is set to lead the side at both the 2028 European Championship in Great Britain and Ireland and the 2030 World Cup.

Xavi becomes the 21st foreign coach to manage the Netherlands, and notably the first since Austrian Ernst Happel held the post between 1977 and 1978. Although the former Barcelona midfielder will bring his own trusted support staff into the KNVB setup, there will still be a strong Dutch presence within the technical structure.

A special bond with Dutch football

Speaking after the announcement, Xavi spoke about his strong emotional connection to the Total Football philosophy that was born in the Netherlands. He said: 'It is a huge honour for me to become the national coach of the Dutch team. As someone who was educated at the FC Barcelona academy, with strong influences from figures such as Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection with Dutch football.'

The new coach was also quick to acknowledge the role played by several Dutch greats in shaping him, both as a footballer and later as a manager during his years at Camp Nou. Xavi added: 'You could say that I am a bit of a son of Dutch football. Other great managers, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barcelona, and Frank Rijkaard, have also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach. Of course, the most important goal is and always will be to win, but I would prefer to do so in a way that reflects those characteristics and that people can enjoy. The potential for that is there, as well as a solid foundation to build upon.'

KNVB leadership hails landmark appointment

The senior figures at the KNVB have made it clear they are extremely proud to have secured such a high-profile appointment as Koeman’s replacement. Director of Professional Football Marianne van Leeuwen pointed to Xavi’s world-class background as a key reason behind the decision. Van Leeuwen said: 'With Xavi, we are bringing in someone who knows the absolute top of international football as a player and trainer.'

Nigel de Jong, the KNVB technical director and former Manchester City midfielder, also expressed his enthusiasm about the new tactical direction. De Jong said: 'Every new cycle requires a fresh look at where we want to go, what we need for that, and which available national coach fits that best.'

Building on a distinguished managerial career

This role marks Xavi’s return to management after leaving Barcelona in 2024, when he was succeeded by Hansi Flick. His spell at Camp Nou included winning the La Liga title in the 2022-23 season, and notably he had also taken over from Koeman there, just as he has now done with the national team. Before making his emotional return to Catalonia, Xavi started his coaching career in 2019 with Al-Sadd in Qatar.

Xavi is due to take charge of the Netherlands for the first time on Thursday, September 24, when the Dutch side host Germany in a high-profile Nations League fixture at the Johan Cruyff Arena. That match will be the first in a run of group games for Xavi with Oranje, who are also scheduled to face Serbia and Greece in the competition.