Xavi has been announced as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. Oranje had a disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign and were knocked out early on by Morocco. As a result, Ronald Koeman departed, with many fans happy to see him depart. Some high profile names were mentioned, with the top Dutch coaches like Arne Slot and Peter Bosz high on the list for fans. However, in the end, they have decided to bring in former Barcelona midfielder Xavi.
So, what has Xavi done since retiring as a player? He began his coaching career in Al-Sadd, the side he ended his playing career with. Xavi won a number of trophies with the club, including the league and numerous domestic cups. In 2021 he returned to Barcelona to take over, leading the side to the La Liga title in his first full season in charge. However, the side were unable to continue that success and their former favourite and he left the club in 2024. Xavi has been without a job since, but now takes over at the Netherlands.
He is now trying to overcome a decades long trend within international football. No foreign coach has won the World Cup with a national team, and only one has won the Euros. That came back in 2004, when German head coach Otto Rehhagel shocked football by leading Greece to the trophy, beating hosts Portugal in the final.
The Netherlands have had success with foreign coaches in the past, with Ernst Happel having taken the side to the World Cup final in 1978 The side ended up losing 3-1 in extra-time against Argentina.
Xavi’s first port of call will be getting a squad together for the nations league, with Germany his first game in charge on the 24th of September. Xavi and his Netherlands squad will then face Greece and Serbia during their nations league campaign.