Is this a joke?! Xavi applied for a job with India national team
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 25.07.25. | 18:42
The former Barcelona player and manager was keen on becoming a national team head coach for the first time in his career, but his financial demands were too high
Just over a month ago, the football public was shocked to hear that one of the most successful English managers, Gareth Southgate, wanted to become the coach of the Poland national team. Earlier today, similar news appeared, though this case sounds even more far-fetched.
The ex-Barcelona player and head coach, Xavi Hernandez, applied for a managerial position with the India national team!
🚨| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Barça legend Xavi had applied for the job of head coach of the Indian National Team, but they turned down the opportunity as they couldn't afford the financial terms of the deal. It was beyond their reach. [@MarcusMergulhao] #fcblive 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BXcdb4yQGe
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) July 25, 2025
As much as this information may seem unbelievable, it was confirmed by Subrata Paul, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) national team director.
"It's correct that Xavi's name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF," he said, speaking to Times of India.
Even the people at the AIFF couldn't believe at first that a man who won 27 trophies with Barcelona, both as a player and manager, including nine La Ligas and four Champions Leagues, and clinched the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain, would reach out to them in pursuit of a job.
Still, the story is 100% genuine, and the source mentioned above also cited Xavi's interview with The Athletic in which he said that he "sometimes (follows) the Indian League because many Spanish coaches are there."
Either way, the legendary midfielder wasn't even taken into consideration because of his financial demands.
"Even if Xavi was genuinely interested in Indian football and could be convinced to take up the job, we would need a lot of money," said a member of AIFF's technical committee via Times of India.
Hence, the Spaniard will have to continue his search for the third team in his managerial career after the Qatari Al Sadd and Barcelona, while India will opt for some "cheaper name," whose primary task will be to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
At the moment, the Blue Tigers are at the bottom of their qualifying group, with one point won in two rounds. Apart from India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh are in Group C, and only the winner will qualify for the renowned tournament.
