Xavi Open To Coaching At AFCON

Barcelona and Spain legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez has said he is interested in branching out into international management, and won’t mind coaching a team at the Euros, Asian Cup and even the Africa Cup of Nations.

Xavi spent just under three seasons at Barcelona before he was relieved of his duties in May 2024, following successive defeats and a trophyless season.

The 46-year-old had led the team to the LaLiga title in 2022-23, also winning the Supercopa de Espana, but has been out of work since leaving Camp Nou.

Xavi also previously managed at the Qatar side Al-Sadd, lifting seven trophies, but he believes a national team job would suit his current situation better than another club role.

“My next step could be a national team. I’ll say it openly: this could be a good fit for me,” he told RNE (via beIN Sports).

“I have family. A club wouldn’t allow me as much time with my family; I’ve got young children.

“I’m keen to take part as a coach in a World Cup, Euros, AFCON, or the Asian Cup.”

Xavi took charge of 143 matches with Barcelona, winning 90 of those (D24 L29), leaving with a 62.9% win rate.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi was renowned for his exceptional passing and vision, and is the all-time Spanish top assist provider in the UEFA Champions League with 30 assists.

He spent most of his playing career at Barcelona and is one of the few players to make over 1,000 professional career appearances.

Also Read: How Laporta Stopped Messi’s Return To Barcelona –Xavi

Xavi joined La Masia, the Barcelona youth academy, at age 11 and made his first-team debut against Mallorca in August 1998, age 18.

For Barcelona, he played 767 official matches, a former club record—now held by Lionel Messi—and scored 85 goals.

With Spain, Xavi won the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1999, and the Olympic silver medal at the 2000 Olympics, making his senior team debut in 2000 and he was capped 133 times for Spain.

Xavi played an integral role in Spain’s 2010 FIFA World Cup win, as well as their UEFA Euro 2008 and UEFA Euro 2012 victories. He was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2008 and was named in the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament in 2008 and 2012.

With two assists in the UEFA Euro 2012 Final, Xavi became the first player to make assists in two separate European finals. After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Xavi announced his retirement from international football.