Senegal have appointed former France international Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced on Tuesday.
Vieira, who was born in Senegal and grew up in France, succeeds Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed less than two weeks after Senegal’s elimination from the World Cup following a defeat by Belgium in the last 32.
The FSF described Vieira’s appointment as a “strategic move” aimed at establishing a high-level technical team in line with the country’s sporting ambitions.
His primary task will be to revitalise the national team following its disappointing World Cup campaign.
The appointment was ratified on Monday, according to the federation, although Vieira’s official presentation and onboarding will take place at a later date.
Thiaw had taken charge of Senegal in 2024 after previously representing the country as a player.
His departure came amid tensions surrounding the national team during the World Cup. The FSF president had previously said that the atmosphere around the team had become toxic after Thiaw demanded a pay rise.
Vieira brings extensive playing and coaching experience to the Senegal job.
As a player, he was a key member of the Arsenal side that won three English league titles between 1998 and 2004.
He subsequently moved to Juventus before joining Inter Milan, where he continued his successful club career.
Vieira ended his playing career with Manchester City before moving into coaching.
He began his managerial career with New York City FC in 2016 before taking charge of French Ligue 1 side Nice from 2018 to 2020.
He returned to England in 2021 as manager of Premier League club Crystal Palace but was dismissed in March 2023 following a 12-match winless run.
Vieira later had brief managerial spells with Strasbourg in France and Genoa in Italy.
The 50-year-old earned 107 international caps for France and was part of the team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Two years later, he also helped France win the European Championship.
His appointment marks a new chapter for Senegal as the federation looks to rebuild the national team and achieve its wider sporting ambitions under an experienced coach with both African roots and an extensive international background.
