Senegal appoint Patrick Vieira as head coach ahead of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal’s national football team, the Senegalese Football Federation announced on Tuesday. The 50-year-old succeeds Pape Thiaw, whose tenure ended after Senegal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32.
Vieira, born in Dakar, will take charge of a national team for the first time in his coaching career. His first matches will come in next month’s international window as Senegal prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September, according to the FSF statement on X .
The FSF described the appointment as a “strategic move” to “establish a high-level technical set-up, in line with our country’s sporting ambitions” . Details of Vieira’s contract and his official starting date remain under discussion.
Vieira’s coaching career includes stints at Crystal Palace in the Premier League, French clubs Nice and Strasbourg, and Serie A’s Genoa, where he left by mutual consent in November 2025 after a difficult start to the season . As a player, he won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, earning over 100 caps. At club level, he made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal, winning three Premier League titles, and also played for AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Manchester City before retiring in 2011 .
Thiaw’s dismissal followed Senegal’s 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup’s round of 32. His tenure had also been marked by controversy during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, when he led his team off the field in protest before they returned to win in extra time; the title was later stripped and awarded to Morocco .
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⚽ 🇸🇳 🇫🇷 Senegal have appointed Frances 1998 World Cup winner Patrick Vieira as head coach, the countrys football federation announced on Tuesday, succeeding Pape Thiaw who was dismissed after the recent World Cup ➡️ u.afp.com/SHHe
bluesky_AFP English · about 3 hours ago
Patrick Vieira appointed Senegal head coach with AFCON qualifiers looming Former France, Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira replaces Pape Thiaw as Senegal coach.
aljazeera · about 3 hours ago
Vieira named new Senegal head coach Former Arsenal and France captain Patrick Vieira is appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal mens national team.
bbc sport · about 3 hours ago
Frances Vieira appointed head coach of Senegal national football team Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has been appointed Senegal coach, succeeding Pape Thiaw following the teams World Cup elimination. Born in Dakar, the 50-year-old takes charge of a national team for the first time after coaching in England, France and Italy. Vieira will begin his tenure next month as Senegal prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
france24 · about 3 hours ago
Prominente Verpflichtung: Senegal holt Ex-Fußballstar Patrick Vieira als Nationalcoach Der ehemalige Top-Fußballer, der mit Frankreich Welt- und Europameister wurde, soll das Team aus Westafrika nach dem enttäuschenden WM-Abschneiden zu neuen Erfolgen führen.
tagesspiegel · about 3 hours ago