Xavi Hernández appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has appointed Xavi Hernández as the new head coach of the Dutch national team. The 46-year-old Spaniard, who gained fame as a legendary player and coach at FC Barcelona, has signed a contract that runs until the 2030 World Cup.

Xavi succeeds Ronald Koeman, who stepped down after the 2022 World Cup. The appointment comes after an extensive search for a new coach, during which Erik ten Hag, Peter Bosz, and Arne Slot were not selected for the position.

With this appointment, the KNVB breaks a long-standing tradition, as Xavi is the first foreign head coach since Ernst Happel in 1978. This decision marks a significant change in the association's policy, which previously appointed only coaches from its own country.

In the past, Xavi has won numerous awards with both the Spanish national team and FC Barcelona, including the World Cup in 2010. His appointment is seen as an important step for the future of the Dutch national team, with ambitions to make a strong showing at the 2028 European Championship.

According to various news sources, the search for a new head coach was popular and long-awaited, with multiple names under consideration before the choice fell on Xavi. This is a turning point for the Dutch national team, which hopes for a new era under his leadership.

Xavi's coaching approach, along with his experience as a player, must now translate into success with the Dutch national team. His first official term begins with preparations for important matches leading up to the World Cup and the European Championship.