These African coaches on European benches | OneFootball

A rare but notable presence for African managers

These African coaches on European benches

African coaches are virtually absent from the dugouts of European club championships. However, there are currently four coaches from two African countries making their mark within European teams.

Today, three Senegalese tacticians are leading or have recently led clubs on the Old Continent—a rare occurrence worth highlighting in an environment still largely dominated by European managers.

Habib Beye, the standard-bearer

The most high-profile among them is without a doubt Habib Beye. The former Senegal international has established himself in recent seasons as one of the most visible African coaches in Europe. After proving his worth on the Red Star bench, guiding them to the National title in 2024, he then joined Stade Rennais FC before being appointed head coach of Olympique de Marseille in 2026.

This is a major promotion for the Senegalese manager, who now finds himself in the spotlight of Ligue 1—one of European football’s elite leagues.

Omar Daf, a solid run in Ligue 2

Another well-known Senegalese coach in France is Omar Daf. A former international defender, he successfully transitioned to the coaching ranks in French football. He notably managed Dijon FCO and then FC Sochaux-Montbéliard before taking charge of Amiens SC in Ligue 2. Although his spell with Amiens recently ended following his dismissal, his career illustrates the ability of Senegalese coaches to establish themselves in French professional football.

Mbaye Leye, making waves in Belgium

The third Senegalese coach active in Europe is Mbaye Leye. A former striker—most notably in Belgium—he quickly turned to coaching. He managed Standard Liège before continuing his coaching career and was recently appointed assistant coach at KAA Gent.

Ahmed Kantari at the beginning of his journey

Outside of these Senegalese coaches, African tacticians remain a rare sight on European benches. One of the few exceptions is Moroccan Ahmed Kantari, currently managing FC Nantes in Ligue 1. Taking over the Canaries last December, he has so far been unable to turn things around, and the club is heading straight for relegation.