Patrick Vieira Appointed Senegal Head Coach After 2026 World Cup Exit
Patrick Vieira has been appointed the new head coach of Senegal, taking charge of the Teranga Lions following the departure of Pape Thiaw.
The former Arsenal and France captain will return to his country of birth to lead Senegal, having been born in Dakar before moving to France at the age of eight.
The 50-year-old succeeds Thiaw, who was dismissed following Senegal’s last-32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vieira brings extensive experience at both international and club level. He earned more than 100 caps for France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
The Senegalese Football Federation said Vieira’s appointment is part of its plans to strengthen the national team’s technical structure and achieve the country’s sporting ambitions.
Details of Vieira’s contract and official start date are yet to be finalised.
His first assignment is expected to come next month when Senegal begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Vieira has been without a club since leaving Italian side Genoa by mutual consent in November 2025.
He previously guided Genoa to safety during the 2024-25 Serie A season, finishing 13th, but departed after a difficult start to the following campaign.
The former midfielder enjoyed a distinguished playing career, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal.
He also represented AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City before retiring in 2011.
He began his managerial career with New York City FC in 2016 before returning to Europe with Nice. He later managed Crystal Palace, leading the Eagles to 12th in the Premier League and the FA Cup semi-finals during the 2021-22 season.
Vieira also coached Strasbourg before leaving the French club by mutual consent in July 2024.
His appointment comes as Senegal continues to deal with the fallout from the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
Thiaw was at the centre of the controversy after taking his players off the pitch when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. The players returned after about 17 minutes, but Morocco were subsequently declared winners after a CAF appeals decision overturned the original outcome.
Senegal have appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the case scheduled to be heard on October 8.
Vieira will now be tasked with guiding Senegal through the next phase while building a team capable of competing for major African honours.
