Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of Senegal, handing the Arsenal legend his first job in international management.
The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed Vieira’s appointment on Tuesday, with the former France captain taking charge immediately as the Lions of Teranga begin a new era following their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
Vieira succeeds Pape Thiaw, who left the position following Senegal’s elimination in the round of 32 at this summer’s World Cup.
The appointment carries particular significance for Vieira, who was born in Dakar before moving to France as a child. He went on to represent France during an illustrious playing career rather than the country of his birth.
The Senegalese federation described Vieira’s appointment as a “strategic move” designed to establish a high-level technical setup capable of matching the country’s ambitions.
His arrival also represents a significant change of direction for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
Vieira, 50, has extensive experience at club level but has never previously managed a national team. His coaching career has included spells with New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
His most recent position was with Genoa in Serie A. Vieira left the Italian club in November 2025 and has been out of management since then.
Vieira’s reputation, however, was built during a remarkable playing career.
The midfielder became one of Arsenal’s greatest players after joining the north London club in 1996. He made more than 400 appearances for the Gunners and won three Premier League titles, captaining Arsene Wenger’s legendary Invincibles side through their unbeaten 2003/04 league campaign.
Internationally, Vieira was part of the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup before adding the European Championship two years later.
His appointment by Senegal therefore brings him back to his roots after spending his entire senior international playing career representing France.
Vieira’s first major objective will be preparing Senegal for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with qualifiers due to begin in September.
The Senegalese federation has yet to announce when Vieira will be formally presented to the media.
For now, the former Arsenal captain has officially taken charge and will immediately begin the task of rebuilding a Senegal side looking to re-establish itself among Africa’s leading football nations.
