Senegal appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach

Senegal have appointed former France international Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, with the former World Cup winner taking charge following the dismissal of Pape Thiaw.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) described the appointment as a strategic move aimed at building a high-level technical team capable of matching the country’s ambitions. Vieira, who was born in Senegal before moving to France at the age of eight, now faces the task of rebuilding the Lions of Teranga after their disappointing World Cup campaign.

Thiaw was dismissed less than two weeks after Senegal’s elimination by Belgium in the last 32. The team had struggled during the tournament, losing to France and Norway in the group stage before a 5-0 victory over Iraq secured their place in the knockout rounds. The FSF president had previously said tensions had grown around the team during the tournament, with Thiaw also having pushed for an increase in his salary.

Vieira brings significant experience at both international and club level. He was a key member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad and also helped the country win the European Championship in 2000. At club level, he played a central role in Arsenal’s successful side that won three Premier League titles between 1998 and 2004 before spells with Juventus and Inter Milan. He ended his playing career at Manchester City, having made 107 appearances for France.

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The 50-year-old began his coaching career with New York City FC in 2016 before taking charge of French club Nice two years later. He subsequently managed Crystal Palace in the Premier League, where he was dismissed in March 2023 following a run of 12 matches without a win. Vieira later had brief spells with Strasbourg and Italian club Genoa. His appointment was ratified on Monday, although the date for his official presentation has not yet been announced.

Vieira also inherits a team dealing with controversy surrounding its recent Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Senegal won the final against Morocco in January under Thiaw but were later stripped of the title as punishment for walking off during a chaotic final. The federation has appealed the decision, with the case scheduled to be heard behind closed doors at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 8 October. Vieira’s immediate challenge will therefore extend beyond results on the pitch as he looks to restore stability and lead one of Africa’s leading football nations into its next chapter.