In a surprising and somewhat surreal development, Spanish football legend and former FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has reportedly applied for the head coaching position with the Indiana Pacers, a team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Multiple sources close to the matter confirm that Xavi, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, submitted a formal interest in the position earlier this month. The move raised eyebrows across both the football and basketball worlds, with many questioning the seriousness and motivation behind the application.
However, the Indiana Pacers organization, after consulting with league officials and conducting an internal review, has turned down the application.
In an official statement released this morning, a spokesperson from the NBA Federation said:
“While we appreciate Mr. Hernández’s passion and global stature in the world of sports, the Indiana Pacers and the NBA remain focused on fostering coaching talent with a deep background in basketball. We respectfully declined the application as we continue our search for candidates aligned with our strategic direction.”
Xavi, who left his position as head coach of FC Barcelona earlier this year, has not commented publicly on the matter. Sources close to him say he has been exploring “new horizons” and “cross-disciplinary leadership roles” in sport, though this foray into basketball remains highly unconventional.
Reactions from the Sports World
The unexpected move has sparked a mixture of amusement and intrigue online. Former NBA star and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose called it “a fascinating twist no one saw coming.”
“It’s like LeBron applying to manage Manchester United — technically possible, but practically, the worlds are just too different,” Rose said during a live segment.
Meanwhile, Spanish media outlets are speculating whether the application was a publicity stunt, a misunderstanding, or perhaps a genuine attempt by Xavi to break new ground in professional sports management.
What’s Next for Xavi?
After a rollercoaster tenure at Barcelona and a brief sabbatical, Xavi is reportedly still evaluating offers from clubs in Europe and the Middle East. Despite the NBA rejection, insiders suggest that his ambitions may go beyond football, eyeing roles in global sports governance or even Olympic-level administrative positions.
As the story develops, one thing is certain: Xavi continues to surprise both fans and critics, showing that his vision of the game — and of leadership — may extend far beyond the pitch.
