Patrick Vieira has signed as head coach of the Senegal national team. The Senegal-born France international, an Arsenal legend, has been out of work since being sacked by Genoa last November with the club languishing at the bottom of Serie A. He will return to the dugout with the Lions of Teranga in what will be his first experience of international management.
Senegal confirms appointment
Senegal confirmed the move with a brief statement shared on social media, which read: "Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team. The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach."
Background to the vacancy
Senegal were left without a head coach when Pape Thiaw was sacked after being knocked out of the World Cup by Belgium in the last-32, losing 3-2 after extra time. He also led the side to the now-infamous final of AFCON 2025, where Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 but were later stripped of the title by CAF for leaving the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded against them.
Challenges ahead
Vieira has a year to get Senegal back in shape before the next AFCON tournament, and stands to make his debut with the country of his birth on September 23, when they host Mozambique in a qualifier. While he has a talented squad at his disposal, he will have to contend with the retirement of legendary ex-Liverpool winger Sadio Mane, now 34, who called time on his international career after the World Cup.
A highly decorated player, Vieira is yet to come by any notable success in what is now a decade-long managerial career. Previous stints with New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg have not yielded any silverware.
