Xavi Hernandez, formerly the manager of Barcelona, was officially announced on Wednesday as the new head coach for the Netherlands national team. He succeeds Ronald Koeman, whose tenure ended after the team's exit in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
Hernandez, 46, becomes the first non-Dutch manager to lead the men's Dutch team since 1978. He had been without a management role since departing Barcelona in May 2024. Hernandez recently met with officials from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) as they sought a replacement for Koeman.
In July, Hernandez had expressed his interest in managing a national team, stating that it would suit his desire for more family time, particularly with young children. "My next step could be a national team. It would suit me, and I want that. I have family. A club wouldn't allow me as much time with my family, I've got young children," he said.
The Netherlands' managerial position opened following a disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout loss.
Hernandez brings considerable experience from his coaching career. He started at Qatari club Al Sadd in 2019 before moving to Barcelona in November 2021. During his three seasons with the Catalan club, he secured a La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup.
As a player, Hernandez represented Spain 133 times, contributing to their victory in the 2010 World Cup and their European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012. The Dutch team is scheduled to play Germany in the UEFA Nations League on September 24.