Xavi Hernández's surprise appointment as the Netherlands' new head coach has been one of the summer's blockbuster sports headlines. Two years after stepping away from the managing business — likely holding out for an offer that matched his ambitions — the Barcelona legend made his first appearance at the Dutch football federation's facilities today. The moment opens a new chapter for the Netherlands, a historic team that's been experiencing a title drought since the 1988 European Championship.
© Getty ImagesXavi arrived in Zeist on Monday for his first hands-on look at his new job in the Netherlands, and he didn't come alone. He's brought in a trusted circle of collaborators who worked alongside him during his two previous stints as a manager.
Among them is his older brother, Óscar Hernández, 49, who will serve as assistant coach alongside another familiar face, Sergio Alegre, with Iván Torres continuing as fitness coach.
Working under sporting director Nigel de Jong, Xavi's staff also includes former Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Moroccan coach Adil Ramzi, and goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks.
© Getty Images"It's important to surround myself with people who bring different qualities, backgrounds and perspectives that complement one another," Xavi said of his new team. "Whether it's attack, defense, set pieces or any other facet of the game, we want to support the players in the best possible way, in every aspect."
On the personal side, the Terrassa-born coach's biggest support system is his family: wife Núria Cunillera and their two children, Asia, 10, and Dan, 7, both born in Qatar during Xavi's final stretch as a player there, from 2015 to 2019, before his retirement.
This summer the family has squeezed in plenty of time together, including a trip to Disneyland Paris. They also traveled to the United States to cheer on Spain during its run to the 2026 World Cup title.
© Getty ImagesThe Netherlands royal family will keep a close eye on Xavi
Meanwhile, no one will be watching Xavi's new project more closely than King Willem-Alexander, 59, and Queen Máxima, 55, alongside their three daughters, Princess Amalia, 22, Princess Alexia, 21, and Princess Ariane, 19. Over the years, the family has rarely missed games that involve the Dutch national team.
In mid-June, the king and queen traveled to the U.S. with their youngest daughter to support the Oranje in person. Wrapped in orange scarves inside the stadium in Houston, Texas, the family watched their team demolish Sweden 5-1 in the group stage, cheering on every goal from the royal box. Their joy was short-lived, though — days later, the Netherlands lost in the knockout rounds to Morocco, a defeat that marked the end of Ronald Koeman's tenure as head coach.
© Getty Images
