Senegal names Vieira head coach after World Cup disappointment

Senegal has appointed Patrick Vieira, a prominent figure in French football and a 1998 World Cup winner, as the new head coach of their national team. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced the decision Tuesday, with Vieira succeeding Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed following the team's performance in the World Cup.

The FSF described Vieira's appointment as a "strategic move" aimed at establishing a "high-level technical staff" aligned with Senegal's sporting ambitions. The primary mission for the new coach will be to rejuvenate the Lions of Teranga after their exit from the World Cup. Thiaw, a former Senegal international, had been in charge since 2024.

Vieira, 50, was born in Senegal and grew up in France. His coaching career includes stints with New York City FC, French club Nice, and Premier League side Crystal Palace, where he was sacked in March 2023. He also had brief periods managing Strasbourg and Genoa. His playing career saw him achieve significant success, notably winning three English league titles with Arsenal and the World Cup with France in 1998.

The appointment was ratified on Monday, and Vieira's official presentation is scheduled for a future date. The federation aims to leverage his experience and reputation to elevate the team's technical standards and competitive edge on the international stage.

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establish a high-level technical staff, in line with our country’s sporting ambitions