World Cup

Xavi, first non-Dutch coach of the Netherlands since 1978

29 August 2026·4 min read·Andrés García
Xavi, first non-Dutch coach of the Netherlands since 1978

The appointment of Xavi as the new head coach of the Netherlands on a four-year contract has been announced. He will replace Ronald Koeman after an early exit from the World Cup.

Xavi, first non-Dutch coach of the Netherlands since 1978

By Sports.

Context

As a former Barcelona player and part of the Spain team that won the 2010 World Cup against the Netherlands, Xavi has a deep understanding of the challenges of international football. His experience in managing Barça gives him the necessary knowledge to lead the Netherlands in the years to come.

Why it matters

The appointment of Xavi as head coach of the Netherlands is a historic step, marking the first time the national team has been led by a non-Dutch since 1978. His deep connection to Dutch football, rooted from his training in Barcelona, brings new hope and vision to the team. With his experience as a player and coach, he is expected to give the Netherlands a new direction after the challenges of the previous World Cup.

Key Points

  • Xavi, first non-Dutch coach of the Netherlands since 1978.
  • Xavi, a former Barcelona manager and former Spain player, has been signed as the Netherlands' new coach in four years—a historic move as the country's first non-Dutch coach since 1978.
  • Xavi becomes first non-Dutch Netherlands coach since 1978 - Yahoo Sports.
The Netherlands have formally appointed Xavi as their new head coach on a four-year contract, according to confirmed reports. The 46-year-old former Barcelona player and manager will be the first non-Dutch to coach the national team since Ernst Happel left Austria in 1978. Ronald Koeman's departure as Netherlands coach came after the team's last-32 loss to Morocco at the recent World Cup, and Xavi was chosen as the replacement to give the team a new direction. In his statement, Xavi revealed his sincere admiration for Dutch football and his connection to it: "I consider it a great honor to be the head coach of the Dutch national team. As a player who came from the Barca academy, and with a strong influence from Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection to Dutch football. You could say that I am partly a son of Dutch football. Other great coaches, especially Louis van Gaal, under whom I made my debut at Barca, and Frank Rijkaard, also played an important role in shaping me as a player and coach."
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Xavi's appointment also follows reports that Arne Slot, former Liverpool coach, had been in talks for the position but backed out as he preferred to work in club football again. Before entering this role, Xavi has extensive experience as a player and coach. As a player, he was part of Spain's 2010 World Cup winner against the Netherlands, and has won three international titles with the national team. He graduated as an active player in 2019 and went into management at Al-Sadd before taking charge of Barcelona from November 2021. In his first full season as Barca coach, he recorded victory in La Liga, and resigned from the position in 2024—his first managerial role since then until the appointment in the Netherlands. The appointment of Xavi symbolizes a major change in the tradition of the Dutch coaching staff and will bring a new style and ideas from his Barcelona and Spanish football education. Many fans and experts will follow how Xavi will adapt his philosophy to a national team with a deep football identity of its own, and how this will affect the team's court in future matches and tournaments.

What's next

Under Xavi's leadership, the Netherlands' style of play is expected to change, which could bring more success in future competitions. His first steps may include building a strong foundation and focusing on the youth, who will be important to the team's future. Dutch football fans and experts will eagerly monitor his decisions and strategies in the upcoming matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Netherlands football team?

The Netherlands have formally appointed Xavi as their new head coach on a four-year contract.

Who confirmed Xavi's appointment?

Xavi's appointment as head coach of the Netherlands is according to confirmed reports.

Why is Xavi now the coach of the Netherlands?

Xavi was chosen to replace Ronald Koeman after the team's last-32 defeat against Morocco at the recent World Cup.

What are the changes to the Netherlands coaching staff?

Xavi's appointment as head coach marks the first time a non-Dutch has coached the national team since 1978.

What did Xavi say about Dutch football?

Xavi expressed his sincere admiration for Dutch football and the special connection he has with it.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

What happened to the Netherlands football team?
The Netherlands have formally appointed Xavi as their new head coach on a four-year contract.
Who confirmed Xavi's appointment?
Xavi's appointment as head coach of the Netherlands is according to confirmed reports.
Why is Xavi now the coach of the Netherlands?
Xavi was chosen to replace Ronald Koeman after the team's last-32 loss to Morocco at the recent World Cup.
What are the changes to the Netherlands coaching staff?
Xavi's appointment as head coach marked the first time that a non-Dutchman had coached the national team since 1978.
What did Xavi say about Dutch football?
Xavi expressed his sincere admiration for Dutch football and the special connection he has with it.
What happened in this story?
Xavi, first non-Dutch coach of the Netherlands since 1978 summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
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