Patrick Vieira Appointed New Head Coach of Senegal

Posted : 18 August 2026

Patrick Vieira has been named the new head coach of Senegal, marking the first time the former France international will take charge of a national team. The 50-year-old replaces Pape Thiaw, who departed after Senegal were eliminated by Belgium in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The appointment has a strong personal connection for Vieira, who was born in Dakar before moving to France at the age of eight. He went on to become one of France's most decorated players, earning more than 100 international caps and winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with Les Bleus.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) described the decision as part of its ambition to strengthen the national team's technical structure and align it with the country's sporting objectives. Details surrounding Vieira's contract and official presentation are still being finalized.

Vieira arrives with extensive coaching experience in club football. After beginning his managerial career with New York City FC, he worked in France with Nice and Strasbourg, managed Crystal Palace in the Premier League and most recently coached Genoa in Serie A. He left the Italian club by mutual agreement in November 2025.

His spell at Genoa ended after a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign. During the previous season, however, Vieira helped the club secure a comfortable Serie A finish, guiding them to 13th place after taking over during the campaign.

As a player, Vieira enjoyed an outstanding career, particularly during his nine-year association with Arsenal. He won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with the Gunners before collecting further major honours with Inter Milan and Manchester City.

His international coaching debut will come with Senegal preparing for the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Teranga Lions are expected to begin their preparations for the 2027 tournament during the September international window.

Vieira also inherits a team that has endured a turbulent period. Thiaw's tenure was overshadowed by the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, when Senegal's players briefly left the pitch after a late penalty was awarded to their opponents.

Although Senegal initially appeared to win the final in extra time, CAF's appeals process later overturned the result and awarded the title to Morocco. Senegal have challenged that decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the case scheduled to be heard on 8 October.

Vieira's immediate challenge will therefore be to restore stability while maintaining Senegal's position among Africa's leading football nations. His first competitive assignment will come with the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Patrick Vieira Appointed New Head Coach of Senegal

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