Arsenal icon joins growing list of international managers

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Just Arsenal News

·19 August 2026

Arsenal icon joins growing list of international managers

Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira is the latest former club manager to move into international management, as he becomes the new manager of the Senegal national team, according to ESPN.

Vieira has managed clubs in the USA, England, France and Italy before agreeing to move into international management. He now becomes the latest coach to take that route after building experience across several European leagues.

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In the last year, we have seen the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp agree to become national team managers, while Pep Guardiola was close to coaching the Italian national team.

Vieira Takes Charge of Senegal

National teams now want the expertise of club managers and have been doing their best to ensure that they secure some of the best names to lead their teams.

Senegal are one of the best nations in Africa and won the last AFCON, although they were stripped of that title several months later in an off-field decision.

The appointment allows Vieira to work with a talented group of players. Senegal have some of the best players in European football, meaning the former Arsenal midfielder will be managing a very strong team and will have a good chance to find success on the international stage.

A Familiar International Setting

Vieira was born in Senegal before moving to France and playing for the French national team. That background means he should be comfortable working with the Senegal team and will probably feel at home there.

His experience as a player and manager could also prove valuable as he takes on a different challenge. Having worked in several countries and managed at club level in the USA, England, France and Italy, Vieira brings a broad range of experience to his new role.

Senegal will hope that his appointment can help them build on their status as one of Africa’s leading nations. Vieira now has the task of managing a talented squad and delivering success on the international stage.

For the former Arsenal midfielder, the move represents another important step in his managerial career. His knowledge of the game, combined with his personal connection to Senegal, could make the appointment an appealing opportunity for both Vieira and the national team.

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