Former Arsenal and France captain Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal men’s national team.
The 50-year-old replaces Pape Thiaw, who was sacked following Senegal’s last-32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Vieira moved to France at the age of eight and went on to earn more than 100 caps for Les Bleus, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.
The Senegalese Football Federation said Vieira’s appointment reflects its desire to strengthen its technical team and aligns with the country’s sporting ambitions.
Details of his contract and official start date are still being discussed, but Vieira is expected to take charge of the Teranga Lions for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches next month.
Vieira joins Senegal after leaving Italian club Genoa by mutual consent in November 2025. During his playing career, he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, as well as trophies with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
He retired from playing in 2011 before beginning his managerial career with New York City FC in 2016. He later managed Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
