Senegal Name Arsenal Legend Patrick Vieira as New Head Coach
Former France and Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Senegal, marking his first move into international management.
The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed Vieira’s appointment on Tuesday, with the 50-year-old replacing Pape Thiaw, whose tenure ended following Senegal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Born in Dakar, Vieira returns to the country of his birth after building a managerial career across England, France, Italy and the United States. He has previously managed New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
As a player, Vieira was a key member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning and Euro 2000-winning teams. He also enjoyed a highly successful spell at Arsenal, making more than 400 appearances and winning three Premier League titles.
His appointment represents a new chapter for the Teranga Lions, with Vieira’s first major task coming during the September international window as Senegal begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with qualifying expected to start soon.
The Senegalese federation said the date of Vieira’s official presentation and further details about his installation will be announced at a later date.
