Xavi Rejected!

Ex-Barcelona Boss Sees Application for Surprise National Team Job Turned Down With Two Liverpool Legends in the Running

Football, as we know, never runs short of surprises—and this one certainly caught more than a few people off guard. Xavi Hernández, the iconic former midfielder and ex-Barcelona head coach, reportedly applied for the India national team manager’s job, only to be turned down by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Yes, you read that right. One of the most decorated figures in modern football—both as a player and a manager—set his sights on leading the Blue Tigers, but the proposal never made it past the early shortlist.

It’s a twist that not only speaks volumes about where Indian football finds itself today, but also about Xavi’s own journey post-Barcelona.

What Happened? A Global Icon Sends a Personal Pitch

According to reports from the Times of India, the AIFF technical committee was left stunned when an email appeared among the hundreds of applicants for the vacant head coach role—with none other than Xavi Hernández listed as the sender.

Yes, the same Xavi who lifted four Champions League titles with Barcelona, orchestrated Spain’s golden era with pinpoint passing, and led Barça to the 2022–23 La Liga title as head coach.

Despite the surprising show of interest, Xavi’s candidacy was quickly dismissed by the committee, mainly due to the financial implications of appointing a manager of his stature. Simply put: his ambitions and salary demands were likely several tiers above what the AIFF could realistically accommodate.

Still, his application—however brief its lifespan—was a moment of reflection for Indian football. If nothing else, it proved one thing loud and clear: the world is watching.

The Bigger Picture: Global Eyes on Indian Football

Sevilla FC v FC Barcelona – LaLiga EA Sports

While Xavi’s name stole the headlines, the AIFF’s coaching shortlist was nothing short of international. Among the 170 total applicants were former Liverpool greats Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell, both of whom have already dipped their toes into coaching.

Fowler, who previously managed East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL), has remained connected to Indian football, even after his tenure ended. Kewell, on the other hand, has built up coaching experience in the lower leagues of England and holds UEFA Pro licenses.

Also in the mix are familiar names from the ISL, including Kibu Vicuna, Eelco Schattorie, and Indian football veteran Khalid Jamil—coaches who know the ecosystem, the players, and the structure of Indian football intimately.

Yet, even as these names continue to be debated, it was Xavi’s unexpected pitch that stole the show. For the AIFF, it was both a compliment and a conundrum.

A Legend’s Résumé: What Xavi Brings to the Table

Let’s be clear—very few managers on the planet can boast a résumé like Xavi’s.

• Over 700 appearances for Barcelona

• Eight La Liga titles

• Four UEFA Champions League trophies

• A World Cup (2010) and two European Championships (2008, 2012) with Spain

After hanging up his boots, Xavi immediately transitioned into coaching, starting with Qatari side Al Sadd, where he won a domestic treble and was praised for instilling a possession-heavy style reminiscent of his playing days.

He returned to the Camp Nou dugout in 2021, at a time when Barcelona were struggling post-Messi. Under difficult financial conditions, he managed to stabilise the club, win a league title, and bring identity back to a fragmented squad.

By the time he left in 2024, his coaching stock remained high, even as his team occasionally faltered in European competitions. Still, his core philosophy of possession, pressing, and precision remains a blueprint for clubs aspiring to play expansive, modern football.

Why India? Why Now?

The big question many fans are asking: Why would someone like Xavi apply for the India job?

There’s no official comment yet from the man himself, but several theories are in circulation.

One, Xavi may see untapped potential in Indian football—a young, growing sport culture with an expanding league structure and improving infrastructure. Two, he may view such a project as a long-term challenge worth building from the ground up, similar to what he started at Al Sadd.

And three, perhaps he’s simply keeping his options open, seeking a role that allows him to shape a footballing philosophy with total control, free from the immediate pressures of elite European management.

Unfortunately, the numbers just didn’t align. The AIFF, already navigating budgetary restrictions, felt unable to entertain negotiations with someone of Xavi’s calibre and cost.

A Growing Trend: Stars Looking East

While it might seem far-fetched, Xavi’s interest follows a trend. More and more ex-players and coaches are casting their gaze toward Asia and emerging football markets—not just for paychecks, but for genuine footballing projects.

We’ve already seen this in Japan, China, and the Middle East, where high-profile names have arrived to coach or consult. India, with its massive population, growing football infrastructure, and passionate fan base, is an enticing market.

Xavi’s brief flirtation with the job might be the first sign that such interest is gaining traction from even the biggest names in world football.

What’s Next for Xavi?

Sevilla FC v FC Barcelona – LaLiga EA Sports

For now, Xavi remains a free agent, weighing his next step. Despite interest from multiple clubs across Europe and the Middle East, he’s reportedly being very selective.

He wants a project—not just a team. Somewhere he can build something over time, develop youth, and play the kind of football that defines his philosophy: fluid, attacking, possession-based.

While Indian fans may be disappointed, it’s fair to say we haven’t seen the last of Xavi in international football. Whether it’s at club level or with a national team, he’ll return. And this time, the federation or board that meets his vision and his value may just strike gold.

Final Whistle: A Fascinating “What If?”

What would it have looked like to see Xavi Hernández on the sidelines in a blue India tracksuit, guiding the national team through qualifiers or hosting camps in Goa and Kolkata?

It’s a question that may never be answered—but for a few brief moments, it seemed like a real possibility.

In the end, the AIFF made the pragmatic decision. But the fact that Xavi even considered applying speaks volumes about where Indian football is heading—and how, slowly but surely, it’s beginning to command attention well beyond its borders.