The Senegalese Football Federation has appointed Dakar-born former France international Patrick Vieira as head coach of the Lions of Teranga, opening a new chapter for the national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The appointment gives Vieira his first role in charge of a senior national team and brings the former Arsenal and France midfielder back to the country of his birth at an important moment in Senegalese football.
Senegal begins a new cycle
Vieira succeeds Pape Thiaw, whose tenure ended after Senegal’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup. The Senegalese Football Federation had earlier confirmed the process to end its collaboration with Thiaw and his technical staff as it prepared to begin a new cycle with the Lions.
For Vieira, the Senegal job adds international management to a coaching career that has included club roles in France, England, Italy and the United States. As a player, he was part of the France team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
A Dakar-born coach for the Lions
Born in Dakar before moving to France as a child, Vieira’s appointment carries an additional connection to the country he will now represent from the touchline.
His immediate task will be to shape Senegal’s next generation while maintaining the standards established during one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history. Attention will increasingly turn toward the next Africa Cup of Nations cycle and the longer-term renewal of the squad.
The Senegalese Football Federation is expected to provide further details around Vieira’s formal presentation and technical programme.
Sources: Senegalese Football Federation, with independent reporting used for additional career and appointment context.
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