# Xavi Hernandez becomes Netherlands head coach, breaks 48-year streak 2026-08-13T13:37:19+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Xavi Hernandez has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands national football team, becoming the first foreigner to hold the post in 48 years. The 46-year-old Spaniard, who left Barcelona in May 2024, signed a deal through the 2030 World Cup. He replaces Ronald Koeman. The last foreign coach was Austria's Ernst Happel in 1977-78. Xavi said he feels a 'special connection to Dutch football', citing influences from Johan Cruyff, Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal, and Frank Rijkaard. Nigel de Jong, Dutch federation director and Xavi's opponent in the 2010 World Cup final, praised his vision of dominant, attractive football. Xavi previously coached Barcelona to a La Liga title in 2022-23. ## Coverage - timesnownews.com Tags: Dutch national team, football coach, international football, KNVB, Netherlands football, Xavi Hernandez Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/xavi-hernandez-becomes-netherlands-head-coach-breaks-48-year-streak/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/xavi-hernandez-becomes-netherlands-head-coach-breaks-48-year-streak/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.