SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 26: Xavi, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 26, 2024 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Ex-Barcelona youth talent Xavi Simons has taken to social media, to send a welcome message the way of namesake and new international manager, Xavi Hernández.
This of course comes fresh off the latter making his long-awaited return to the bench.
After a full two years watching on from afar following his dismissal from the dugout at his beloved Barcelona, Xavi, on Wednesday, agreed to take his place back on the touchline for the first time since back in 2024.
The 46-year-old has taken up the reins of the Dutch national team, replacing another Blaugrana icon, in Ronald Koeman, in the role.
Xavi Hernández, head coach Oranje. 🔶#NothingLikeOranje #Xavi2030 pic.twitter.com/q5gpajYoga
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) August 13, 2026
Messages of support and congratulations have, in turn, since come pouring in for Xavi from across the world of football.
And as alluded to above, amongst the first to reach out to the man whom he will call boss on the international front for the years to come was yet another ex-Barca talent.
In a post on his official ‘X’ account, Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons unveiled an old photo of he and Xavi, accompanied by the caption:
‘The name that inspired mine. Welcome to the Netherlands, coach Xavi Hernández’
The name that inspired mine.
Welcome to the Netherlands, coach Xavi Hernández 🇳🇱🧡 pic.twitter.com/wc1SwqXTvQ
— Xavi Simons (@xavisimons) August 12, 2026
Conor Laird – GSFN