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Former Arsenal and France captain Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of the Senegal men's national team, taking charge of the country where he was born.
The 50-year-old replaces Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed following Senegal's last-32 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Born in Dakar, Vieira moved to France at the age of eight and went on to establish himself as one of the country's most decorated footballers. He earned more than 100 international caps for France and was part of the team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.
The Senegalese Football Federation said Vieira's appointment is part of its effort to strengthen the national team's technical structure and aligns with the country's wider sporting ambitions. Details of his contract and the exact date he will begin his duties are still being finalized.
Vieira is expected to take charge of his first matches next month when Senegal begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The appointment marks Vieira's return to international management after he left Italian club Genoa by mutual consent last November. He had joined Genoa during the 2024-25 season and helped the club secure Serie A survival, finishing 13th after recording eight wins and nine draws in 26 matches.
His second season proved more difficult, with Genoa managing only two victories in 2025-26 before Vieira's departure. Both wins came in the Coppa Italia.
Vieira enjoyed a highly successful playing career, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal. He also collected major trophies during spells with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City before retiring in 2011.
He moved into management with New York City FC in 2016 before returning to Europe with Nice. Vieira guided the French side to seventh place in Ligue 1 during his first season but was dismissed in December 2020.
He later took charge of Crystal Palace in 2021 and led the club to 12th in the Premier League and the FA Cup semi-finals during the 2021-22 campaign. Palace dismissed him in March 2023 following a 12-game winless run.
Vieira subsequently managed Strasbourg before leaving by mutual consent in July 2024.
His appointment comes amid controversy surrounding his predecessor. Thiaw was criticized after Senegal players briefly left the field during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco following a stoppage-time penalty decision.
Senegal later appealed after the CAF Appeals Board awarded the title to Morocco. The case is now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a hearing scheduled for Oct. 8.
