Dubai Basketball appoints head coach Xavi Pascual from FC Barcelona

Dubai Basketball has appointed one of Europe's most accomplished coaches, bringing on Xavi Pascual as head coach 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.

Throughout his career, Pascual has coached some of the continent's most successful 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.

“Joining Dubai Basketball is a challenge that really motivates me. This is a club with huge ambition and a clear vision for the future," said the new head coach. 

"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.”

A Career Built on Success

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.

During his spell, he led Barcelona to the 2009/10 EuroLeague title, four Spanish League championships and numerous domestic honours.

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 as one of Europe's leading coaches.

In November 2025, Pascual returned to FC Barcelona, guiding the club to the Liga ACB Finals before accepting the opportunity to lead Dubai Basketball.

Across his career, Pascual has coached 385 EuroLeague games, winning 256 and recording a 66.5 per cent winning percentage, the third highest in EuroLeague history among coaches with more than 100 games.

His honours include the Coach of the Year title once in EuroLeague, and seven times across the domestic championships across Spain, Greece, and Russia.