Former France international Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal, taking over from Pape Thiaw as the Teranga Lions prepare for their next competitive assignment.

The appointment brings a new chapter to Vieira’s coaching career and gives Senegal a manager with extensive experience at the highest levels of European football.

Vieira, 50, was born in Dakar but represented France during his playing career. He was part of the French team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000, earning more than 100 international caps.

His club career included successful spells with Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City.

His appointment follows Thiaw’s dismissal after Senegal’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Senegal were eliminated in the round of 32 after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a dramatic defeat to Belgium. The result came after an already turbulent period surrounding the national team.

Vieira’s immediate challenge will be to restore stability and prepare the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Senegal are in a group containing Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia, with the qualifying fixtures scheduled to begin during the September international window.

The new coach arrives with considerable managerial experience. He began coaching with New York City FC before taking charge of Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa. His most recent job was with Genoa, where he left the Italian club in November 2025.

Vieira’s appointment also comes as Senegal continues its legal battle over the 2025 AFCON title. The country is appealing the decision to strip it of the trophy and award it to Morocco following the controversial final. The case is expected to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October.

The Senegal Football Federation described the appointment as a strategic step towards building a stronger technical structure that matches the country’s sporting ambitions. The federation has yet to announce the date for Vieira’s official presentation.

Vieira will now be expected to use his international and club experience to guide Senegal through a period of transition.

His first major task will be ensuring the team begins the AFCON qualifying campaign strongly while rebuilding confidence after a difficult World Cup and the upheaval surrounding Thiaw’s departure.