Xavi Champions Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or, Reflects on Barcelona Era and Netherlands Debut

Newly appointed Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez has voiced strong support for Barcelona rising star Lamine Yamal to claim this year’s Ballon d’Or. Ahead of his first match in charge against Germany, Xavi spoke about the young forward’s immense talent and the legacy he helped build at Camp Nou.

Speaking from the KNVB headquarters in Zeist, Xavi called Yamal a generational talent destined to lead world football. Despite Lionel Messi’s impressive World Cup performance, Xavi emphasized that Spain’s World Cup winners deserve significant credit, but remains confident that the 19-year-old forward will shine globally soon.

Building Barcelona’s Core Amid Hard Times

Xavi took a moment to highlight his role in fostering Barcelona’s youth during some of its toughest financial challenges in recent history. He expressed pride in promoting players like Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Pau Cubarsi into champions.

“We did our bit to help this generation achieve things. If we were able to contribute in some way to the club’s recovery during what was practically the worst period in its history, we are already happy,” Xavi said. “Lamine is special, he’s different, he’s 19 and he’ll undoubtedly win it, but this would be a good year for him to win it now.”

The former Barcelona midfielder also praised current coach Hansi Flick for maintaining the club’s momentum.

Shared Philosophy Fuels New Dutch Journey

Looking ahead to his role with the Netherlands national team, Xavi remarked on the strong tactical link between Dutch football and Barcelona’s style of positional play. Since settling into the KNVB complex, both players and staff have embraced the environment, even cycling to training sessions daily.

“We have many connections with this country at a footballing level,” Xavi explained. “People want to see attacking, they want to see positional play, the same philosophy we have in Barcelona. I feel this connection.”

High Stakes Debut Against Germany

Xavi’s debut as Netherlands manager will come in a UEFA Nations League clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. Despite missing key players like Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons due to injury, the coach remains optimistic about his squad’s chances.

The Netherlands face a demanding group stage that includes upcoming matches against Serbia and Greece. Xavi is eager to stamp his tactical style on the team right from the start on home soil.

• Competition: UEFA Nations League A
• Match: Netherlands (NED) vs Germany (GER)
• Date: 24 September 2026
• Time: 21:45
• Next LaLiga Match: Barcelona (BAR) vs Getafe (GET)
• Next LaLiga Match Date: 10 October 2026
• Next LaLiga Match Time: 19:30