Xavi becomes first non-Dutch Netherlands coach since 1978

What the report says

Xavi has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands on a four-year contract, according to Nile Post’s report citing BBC Sport. The former Barcelona manager will be the first non-Dutch person to lead the Dutch men’s national team since Austrian coach Ernst Happel left the post in 1978. His appointment follows Ronald Koeman’s resignation after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the last 32 of the World Cup.

Xavi, 46, is a former Barcelona and Spain midfielder who enjoyed a decorated playing career before moving into management. The report says he won a La Liga title in his first full season in charge of Barcelona and later left the club in 2024. It also notes that this will be his first managerial role since that exit.

The move is notable because of the Netherlands’ long tradition of appointing Dutch coaches, and because Xavi has spoken of his links to Dutch football through influences such as Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels. He said the job is a major honour. The report adds that he is expected to begin with a Nations League match against Germany on 24 September. As broader context, the appointment reflects the Dutch federation’s willingness to break with precedent after a disappointing World Cup exit.