Xavi named first foreign Netherlands coach since 1978
Xavi Hernandez signed a four-year deal with the Netherlands and will lead the Oranje in their Euro 2028 and 2030 World Cup campaigns.
Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the head coach of the Netherlands national team, marking the first time a foreign coach has led the Oranje since 1978. The 46-year-old, who won the 2010 World Cup with Spain as a player, will spearhead the team in their Euro 2028 and 2030 World Cup campaigns after signing a four-year contract.
Xavi expressed his deep connection to Dutch football, crediting Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal, and Frank Rijkaard for shaping him as a player and coach. His first match in charge will be against Germany in a Euro 2028 qualifier at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on September 24. The Netherlands, while still striving to shake off their reputation as "nearly men" in international football, have a rich football culture that aligns well with Xavi's preferred style of attacking, possession-based play.
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