Senegal appoints former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira as head coach

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira, 50, has been appointed head coach of Senegal, the Senegalese Football Federation announced on Tuesday, with the former Arsenal star taking over from Pape Thiaw after the team's round‑of‑32 exit from this year's World Cup.

Coaching résumé and national team debut

Vieira was born in Senegal’s capital Dakar, linking him personally to the nation he now leads. He replaces Pape Thiaw, whose spell ended after Senegal’s round‑of‑32 exit from this year’s World Cup.

The 50‑year‑old takes charge of a senior national side for the first time. His coaching résumé includes Premier League side Crystal Palace and French clubs Nice and Strasbourg, plus a brief spell at Serie A’s Genoa.

Vieira was a midfield mainstay for France, part of the squads that lifted the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. He earned more than 100 caps for the French national team during his playing career.

At club level, Vieira is best remembered for his Arsenal spell, where he made over 400 appearances and helped the Gunners win three Premier League titles. His on‑field success underpins the pedigree he brings to Senegal.

"Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of Senegal's senior national team. The date of the official presentation and the next steps in his installation will be the subject of a subsequent announcement," the FSF said in a statement on X.

Vieira’s first matches will come in next month’s international window as the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions continue preparations for the 2027 tournament. Senegal’s qualifiers are slated to begin as early as September.