Xavi Hernandez has entered the list of candidates to take over as head coach of the Netherlands national team, a move that could see him return to the dugout following his departure from Barcelona in the summer of 2024.
The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that the Dutch Football Association has inquired about Xavi’s willingness to succeed Ronald Koeman. Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo noted that the Spanish coach’s name is gaining momentum ahead of a highly anticipated decision in the near future.
Xavi is not the only option for the Netherlands. Louis van Gaal stands out as the strongest candidate, having reportedly agreed to a fourth spell in charge, alongside Roberto Martínez and Michael Reiziger. Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag have withdrawn from the race, while Peter Bosz’s current contract with PSV Eindhoven remains a stumbling block for his appointment.
The Dutch interest aligns perfectly with Xavi’s recent remarks welcoming a move into international football. He stated: “On a family level, coaching a national team suits me. I am excited by the idea of participating as a coach in a World Cup, an Africa Cup of Nations, and a European Championship.” He explained that this type of role would allow him to spend more time with his family in Barcelona.
Xavi previously entered negotiations to manage the Moroccan national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, he was reluctant to take on a project so close to the tournament, and disagreements over his technical staff ultimately led the Moroccan FA to appoint Mohamed Ouahbi instead.
The Spanish coach was also bizarrely linked to the Indian national team in the summer of 2025 after the local federation received an application under his name. Investigations later revealed the application was forged, with the Indian FA confirming that Xavi had never actually applied for the position.
Xavi began his managerial career with Al-Sadd between 2019 and 2021, winning 7 titles, before succeeding Koeman at Barcelona, where he won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He could now repeat that exact scenario—replacing Koeman once again—but this time at the helm of the Oranje.
