Patrick Vieira is the new Senegal head coach | OneFootball

Patrick Vieira has been appointed Senegal head coach, replacing Pape Thiaw, the federation announced, calling the move a strategic choice to elevate the national set-up in line with the country's ambitions.

The 50-year-old, who was born in Senegal, has been out of work since November 2025. His immediate task is to re-energise the Lions of Teranga after a round-of-16 exit to Belgium, 3-2 after extra time.

As a midfielder he played for Cannes, AC Milan, Arsenal, Juventus, Inter and Manchester City between 1993 and 2011.

With France he won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, then finished runner-up at the 2006 World Cup to Italy. The 2002 edition was a low point, starting with a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the opening match.

Pape Thiaw was sacked on 12 July following what was regarded in Senegal as an early World Cup exit. Six months earlier, Senegal had beaten hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat to win the Africa Cup of Nations on the pitch, but late incidents led CAF to subsequently award the match to Morocco. Senegal have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and a ruling has yet to be issued.

Source: Le Progres

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