Former France international and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal, taking over from Pape Thiaw ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 50-year-old, who was born in Dakar, will return to his country of birth in a new managerial role despite having represented France throughout his international career.
Vieira was part of the French team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
His appointment follows the dismissal of Thiaw after Senegal’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 World Cup.
The Teranga Lions were eliminated in the Round of 32 after surrendering a two-goal lead in a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium.
Thiaw had previously guided Senegal to the 2025 AFCON title, although the trophy was later awarded to Morocco following a controversial final that saw Senegalese players and officials walk off the pitch.
Announcing Vieira’s appointment, the Senegalese Football Federation said it was a “strategic move” aimed at “establish a high-level technical set-up, in line with our country’s sporting ambitions”.
Vieira enjoyed a decorated playing career after starting out with Cannes in France.
He later moved to AC Milan before joining Arsenal under compatriot Arsene Wenger.
During his time with the Gunners between 1996 and 2005, Vieira won three Premier League titles before moving to Juventus and later Inter Milan.
He finished his playing career with Manchester City in 2011.
At international level, Vieira won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France and earned more than 100 caps for Les Bleus.
His managerial career began with New York City FC in Major League Soccer in 2016.
He subsequently coached Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
The Senegalese federation said, “The date of the official presentation and the next steps in [Vieira’s] installation will be the subject of a subsequent announcement.”
Vieira’s first major competitive assignment is expected to come during the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, scheduled for the FIFA international window between September 21 and October 6, 2026.
Senegal have been drawn alongside Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia, although the Confederation of African Football is yet to announce the specific fixtures.
The new coach will also inherit Senegal’s ongoing legal battle over the 2025 AFCON title.
The country has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against CAF’s decision to award the championship to Morocco.
