Senegal appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach
Former France World Cup winner Patrick Vieira has been named the new head coach of Senegal, replacing Pape Thiaw following the team's World Cup exit.
Senegal have appointed former France midfielder and World Cup winner Patrick Vieira as the new head coach of the Lions of Teranga, according to announcements by football officials. The appointment follows the dismissal of Pape Thiaw, whose tenure ended after the team's exit from the FIFA World Cup in the round of 32 against Belgium. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) described the decision as a strategic move designed to build an elite coaching setup capable of matching the nation’s ambitions. The FSF confirmed the ratification of the agreement, with a Facebook announcement featuring the new coach alongside the text welcoming him to Senegal, while the federation's official X account noted that further details and the date of his official presentation will be announced later.
Vieira inherits a squad that faced turbulence during the summer tournament. Senegal advanced to the knockout rounds following a group-stage victory over Iraq after losses to France and Norway, but internal issues developed during the campaign. The federation's president stated that the squad had been affected by a toxic atmosphere, noting that Thiaw had pushed for a salary increase prior to his departure less than two weeks after the Belgium defeat. Thiaw had taken charge in 2024.
Media additions
A return to roots for an elite midfielder
Born in the Senegalese capital of Dakar, Vieira moved to France with his family at the age of eight. His return to the country of his birth marks a full-circle moment for a player who developed into one of the most respected midfielders of his generation. His playing career began at Cannes and included a brief spell with AC Milan before he established himself globally at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. During nine years with the Gunners, he made 406 appearances, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. He captained the legendary 2003/04 Invincibles side that completed an entire Premier League season without losing a match, having also helped the club secure league and cup doubles.
Following his time in England, Vieira played in Italy for Juventus and Inter Milan before finishing his playing career at Manchester City. At international level, he earned 107 caps for France, featuring prominently in the nation's victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil and the UEFA European Championship triumph two years later.
Coaching trajectory across three continents
After hanging up his boots, Vieira began his transition into management by working with Manchester City's academy. He took his first senior managerial role with Major League Soccer side New York City FC, leading the club from 2016 to 2018 with consecutive playoff appearances. He then returned to Europe to manage French Ligue 1 side Nice from 2018 to 2020, before taking over at Premier League club Crystal Palace in 2021. His tenure at Selhurst Park included leading the club to the FA Cup semi-finals before his departure in March 2023 following a winless sequence of 12 matches.
Subsequent coaching roles took him to Strasbourg from 2023 to 2024 and Italian Serie A club Genoa from November 2024 to November 2025. At Genoa, he lifted the team from 17th to a 13th-place finish, ending the season well clear of relegation, before departing following a winless start to the subsequent campaign.
| Club / Team | Country | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| New York City FC | USA | 2016–2018 |
| Nice | France | 2018–2020 |
| Crystal Palace | England | 2021–2023 |
| Strasbourg | France | 2023–2024 |
| Genoa | Italy | Nov 2024–Nov 2025 |
Immediate challenges and upcoming legal battles
Beyond shaping the team's tactical direction, Vieira faces significant off-pitch controversy. He inherits a squad dealing with the fallout from the Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal won the tournament's final against Morocco in January under Thiaw, but were subsequently stripped of the trophy as a disciplinary punishment after players left the field during a disorderly match. The federation lodged an appeal against the ruling, with the case scheduled to be heard privately at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
What to watch next
- 8 October – Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland, regarding Senegal's appeal over the rescinded Africa Cup of Nations title.
- Official presentation and unveiling details to be announced by the Senegalese Football Federation.
