KNVB appoints Xavi as Netherlands head coach until 2030

Published Aug 12, 07:09 PM UTC

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) officially announced on August 12 that Spanish coach Xavi has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands men's national football team, succeeding Ronald Koeman. The 46-year-old former Barcelona midfielder signed a contract lasting until the 2030 World Cup. Xavi expressed his honor and connection to Dutch football, citing influences from Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal, and Frank Rijkaard. KNVB officials Nigel de Jong and Marianne van Leeuwen praised Xavi's philosophy of attacking, possession-based football and his experience as both a player and coach. Xavi's coaching career includes leading Al Sadd in Qatar and Barcelona, where he won the 2022/23 La Liga title. As a player, he won numerous titles with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, including the 2010 World Cup. The coaching staff will be further completed in the coming weeks, with plans to include Dutch members.