Dubai Basketball appoint head coach Xavi Pascual from Barcelona

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball have appointed one of Europe’s most accomplished coaches, Xavi Pascual, to head the team on a three-year contract through to 2029.

Pascual joins the club after leading FC Barcelona to the 2025-26 Liga ACB Finals, bringing more than two decades of experience at the highest level of European basketball.

His appointment follows Dubai Basketball’s ABA League championship and historic debut EuroLeague season, reinforcing the team’s ambition to establish itself among Europe’s best.

Pascual has led some of the continent’s best clubs, including FC Barcelona, Panathinaikos Athens and Zenit Saint Petersburg. His achievements include the EuroLeague title, seven domestic league championships and one of the highest winning percentages in EuroLeague history.

Pascual said in a recent release: “Joining Dubai Basketball is a challenge that really motivates me. This is a club with huge ambition and a clear vision for the future.

“I’m excited to start working with the players, help the team continue its growth, and build a winning culture. We know the expectations are high, and we will do everything we can to fight for titles.”

Pascual began his head-coaching career at FC Barcelona in 2008, where he spent eight-and-a-half seasons and became one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history. He led Barcelona to the 2009-10 EuroLeague title, four Spanish League championships and numerous domestic honors.

He later coached Panathinaikos Athens before taking charge of Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2020. During five seasons in Russia, he guided Zenit to its first-ever EuroLeague Playoff appearance, further strengthening his reputation in Europe.

In November 2025, Pascual returned to FC Barcelona, guiding the