Former Barcelona coach and captain Xavi has been named as the new manager of the Netherlands national team. The 46-year-old has been without a job since leaving the Nou Camp in 2024 but has been chosen to replace Ronald Koeman.He has signed a contract until the 2030 World Cup.It is an honour to become the coach of the Dutch national team, Xavi said.As someone who came through Barcelonas academy, with the strong influence of figures like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, I feel a special connection to Dutch football. You could say that, in a way, I am a son of Dutch football.The Dutch parted company with Koeman another former Barca boss after they were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco.Koeman was widely criticised for a tactic of containment against the African champions in a break from the teams traditional approach.Former Belgium and Portugal coach Roberto Martinez was linked with the job but Xavi has instead been handed his first international role.Xavi won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and began his coaching career at Al Saad in Qatar before taking the job with Barcelona in 2021. He led the team to the LaLiga title in 2022-23 and won the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona in 2023. Topics FC Barcelona Netherlands National Football Team Xavi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read How to watch La Liga 2026/27: TV channels, streams for Spanish football in the UK and US Ben Miller 12th August, 2026 Rodri hopes Barcelona can agree fee with City to avoid return to Manchester Jon Fisher 12th August, 2026 Roberto Martinez unlikely to take over as Netherlands boss agent Jon Fisher 12th August, 2026 Liverpool confirm Ronald Araujo loan signing from Barcelona Cian Cheesbrough 10th August, 2026 Pre-season round-up: Tottenham fail to win as Premier League clubs continue preparations Mitch Fretton 8th August, 2026 Liverpool agree to sign Barcelona defender Araujo on loan Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026
