Netherlands: Xavi Simons' welcome message to Xavi Hernández

Just hours after Xavi Hernández was appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands, Xavi Simons wasted no time reacting to the Spaniard's arrival.

On his social media accounts, the Dutch international welcomed Xavi, who holds a special place in his personal story. "The name that inspired mine. Welcome to the Netherlands, coach Xavi Hernández", wrote Simons. This message carries extra weight, as the Dutch attacking midfielder has often been linked to the former FC Barcelona star because of their shared first name.

Now, the two men will share the same national jersey. Xavi Hernández will be on the bench, and Xavi Simons on the pitch.

The former Barça manager was officially appointed on Wednesday by the Dutch Football Federation to succeed Ronald Koeman, who departed after the Oranje were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup by Morocco (1-1, 2-3 on penalties). For the record, Xavi Hernández, 46, has signed on through the 2030 World Cup and becomes the first foreign coach of the Netherlands since Ernst Happel in 1978.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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