By
Arinze Izik
Xavi Hernรกndez has been appointed as the new manager of the Netherlands national team, succeeding Ronald Koeman.
The former Barcelona midfielder and coach emerged as a surprise choice after reports on Wednesday suggested ex-Belgium and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez was in line for the role.
A World Cup and Euro winner with Spain, Xavi enjoyed a decorated playing career at Barcelona, where he also finished third in the Ballon dโOr three times. In management, he won league and cup doubles with Al-Sadd in Qatar and with Barcelona in Spain.
In an interesting twist, Xaviโs first match in charge will be against Jรผrgen Klopp. The German was named Germany coach after Julian Nagelsmann left following a shock first-round World Cup 2026 exit to Paraguay.
The Netherlands also had a poor World Cup, bowing out at the same stage on penalties to Morocco.
Xaviโs debut will come in the Nations League on September 24th at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, where the Dutch will face Kloppโs Germany.
