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Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of the Senegal national team, returning to the country of his birth to take charge of the Teranga Lions.
The former Arsenal and France captain replaces Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed following Senegal’s last-32 elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Vieira, 50, was born in Dakar but moved to France at the age of eight. He went on to become a key figure for Les Bleus, earning more than 100 international caps and winning both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Vieira returns to Senegal roots
The Senegalese Football Federation said the appointment reflects its “desire to strengthen its high-level technical staff” and aligns with the country’s sporting ambitions.
Details of Vieira’s contract and his official start date are yet to be finalised.
His first assignment is expected to come next month, when Senegal begin their qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Vieira takes over after a period of turbulence for the national team, with Thiaw’s tenure ending following their early World Cup exit.
Former Arsenal captain begins new chapter
The appointment represents another opportunity for Vieira to establish himself at international level after a coaching career across Europe and the United States.
He began management with New York City in 2016 before returning to Europe to coach Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg. He also spent time in charge of Genoa, leaving the Italian club by mutual consent in November 2025.
As a player, Vieira won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, while also collecting trophies with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
His new role also comes as Senegal continue their legal battle over the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football overturned Senegal’s victory after an appeals process following the team’s temporary walk-off during the match.
Senegal have appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the case scheduled to be heard on 8 October.
Vieira will now be tasked with providing stability and guiding Senegal into a new era as they prepare for their next continental campaign.