The Netherlands announced a new men's national team manager Wednesday, Aug. 12, signing Xavi on a contract that runs through 2030.
The move shocked the soccer world, with the legendary former FC Barcelona midfielder taking over a national team for the first time, having previously managed Al Sadd in Qatar, where he moved after his illustrious playing career, and coaching Barcelona.
It is the second time Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman. The Dutch manager coached FC Barcelona before Xavi returned to the club from 2021-24, winning the 2022-23 La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023.
Despite Barcelona replacing Xavi with Hansi Flick and going on to win La Liga, the 46-year-old had regularly been linked with jobs all over Europe and in the Americas.
When will Xavi make his debut as Netherlands manager?
Instead, he will take over a Netherlands team that disappointed in the 2026 World Cup, winning a difficult group that also included Japan but falling to Morroco on penalties in the round of 32.
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Prior to Xavi's arrival, the Netherlands reportedly had been considering Xavi's countryman Roberto Hernandez, who most recently managed Portugal, and Dutchman Arne Slot, who spoke to the federation about the role but opted to pursue opportunities in the club game rather than move into the international space.
The national team game should still keep Xavi busy, with a September debut against Germany in the UEFA Nations League looming. While the Oranje will want to win a Nations League group that also includes Serbia and Greece, the priority will be a good showing at Euro 2028 followed by progress at the 2030 World Cup, most of which is scheduled to take place on European soil.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netherlands shocks soccer world with Xavi as new Dutch national team manager
