Former Arsenal and France captain Patrick Vieira has taken charge of Senegal, returning to the country of his birth to lead the Teranga Lions into a new era.
The 50 year old succeeds Pape Thiaw, who lost his position after Senegal exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the last 32 stage. Vieira now faces the task of rebuilding the national team while guiding the squad toward the 2030 World Cup.
For Patrick Vieira, the appointment carries a strong personal meaning. He was born in Dakar but moved to France at the age of eight. He later became one of France’s most decorated players, earning more than 100 international caps and winning both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
The Senegal Football Federation said Vieira’s appointment reflects its “desire to strengthen its high-level technical staff” and remains “perfectly aligned” with the country’s sporting ambitions.
The federation has yet to confirm the full details of Vieira’s contract or his official starting date. However, his first assignment should arrive next month when Senegal begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Patrick Vieira begins new chapter with Senegal
Patrick Vieira returns to international management after leaving Genoa by mutual consent last November. The former midfielder had taken charge of the Italian club during the 2024 25 season and helped them avoid relegation.
During that campaign, Vieira guided Genoa to eight wins and nine draws across 26 matches. The results helped the club finish 13th in Serie A and secure their top flight status.
His second season proved far more difficult. Vieira managed only two victories in 2025 26, with both coming in the Coppa Italia, before he and Genoa agreed to end their partnership.
Despite that setback, Vieira brings extensive experience from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. His coaching career began with Al Sadd in Qatar in 2019, where he enjoyed considerable success and collected seven trophies.
He later returned to Europe and took charge of Nice. In his first season, he guided the French club to seventh place in Ligue 1 before leaving the position in December 2020.
Crystal Palace then appointed Vieira in 2021, giving him his first Premier League coaching role. He led the Eagles to 12th place during the 2021 22 campaign and reached the FA Cup semi finals.
Palace dismissed him in March 2023 after a run of 12 matches without a victory. Vieira then joined Strasbourg, becoming the first manager appointed by the club after BlueCo, the company that owns Chelsea, completed its takeover.
His time in France ended by mutual consent in July 2024. Now, however, Vieira has a chance to build something far more personal with Senegal.
As a player, Vieira enjoyed an outstanding career. He won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, while also collecting major honours with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
He retired from professional football in 2011 before beginning his coaching journey several years later. His experience across England, France, Italy, Qatar and the United States could prove valuable as he takes charge of a Senegal side facing major expectations.
Patrick Vieira also inherits a team surrounded by controversy following the events of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
Thiaw became the centre of that controversy after he led Senegal’s players from the pitch when Morocco received a stoppage time penalty. The players returned around 17 minutes later, but the incident continued to dominate the aftermath of the final.
Brahim Diaz missed the resulting penalty after play resumed, while Pape Gueye later scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.
However, the Confederation of African Football appeals board overturned the result in March and declared Morocco the winners. Senegal have challenged that decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on October 8, leaving Vieira to take charge while the dispute remains unresolved.
His immediate focus, however, will turn toward the pitch. Senegal expect Vieira to bring structure, experience and a clear identity as they begin preparations for the next AFCON qualifying campaign.
The appointment also gives Vieira the chance to lead the country where his football journey began before France shaped his playing career.
For Senegal, the decision represents more than the arrival of a celebrated former player. It signals an attempt to combine international experience with a coach who understands both African football and the demands of Europe’s elite game.
Patrick Vieira now has the opportunity to write a new chapter with the Teranga Lions, starting in Dakar, the city where his story began.
