Xavi Simons (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Xavi Simons has welcomed new Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona legend who inspired his name and whom he first met years ago at Camp Nou.
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Xavi Simons has a particularly special reason to celebrate the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as the new head coach of the Netherlands.
The Dutch international was named after the legendary Spanish midfielder, and now, years after their paths first crossed at Barcelona, Simons will play under the man who inspired his name.
Xavi Hernandez has officially succeeded Ronald Koeman as Netherlands coach, adding another fascinating chapter to the historic relationship between Dutch football and Barcelona.
"Xavi, welcome to the Netherlands!"
Simons reacted warmly to the appointment of the 46-year-old Spaniard.
The connection between the pair goes far beyond their shared first name.
Born in Amsterdam, Simons was named Xavi in honour of Hernandez, who was establishing himself as one of the defining midfielders of his generation at Barcelona.
The Dutch star later joined Barcelona's famous youth system himself and spent approximately nine years at La Masia.
During that period, Simons had the opportunity to meet the footballer whose name he had carried since birth.
Now their relationship will take on an entirely different dimension, with Xavi becoming his national-team coach.
From Barcelona admirer to Netherlands star
Simons eventually left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain before continuing his development with PSV Eindhoven, RB Leipzig and later Tottenham.
He made his senior Netherlands debut in 2022 and has since developed into one of the most recognizable players of the current Dutch generation.
His story also reflects the long-standing football connection between Barcelona and the Netherlands.
The greatest symbol of that relationship remains Johan Cruyff, whose ideas shaped Barcelona's football identity and influenced generations of coaches and players at the Catalan club.
Xavi Hernandez grew up inside that football culture and eventually became one of its most successful representatives.
Now he will attempt to bring some of those principles to the Dutch national team.
Xavi's first match will be against Jürgen Klopp
There will be little time for a gentle introduction.
Xavi will make his competitive Netherlands debut on September 24 in the UEFA Nations League, and his first opponent will be Germany.
That means his first match will also produce a fascinating coaching battle against Jürgen Klopp, who recently took charge of the German national team.
For Simons, though, the appointment carries an additional personal meaning. The boy named after Xavi Hernandez has grown into a Netherlands international, and the man who inspired his name will now become his coach.