Senegal appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach after Thiaw exit

Senegal have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new head coach following the departure of Pape Thiaw. The former France international takes charge of the Lions of Teranga with immediate effect and begins his first major international management role.

Vieira was born in Dakar in 1976 before moving to France with his family during childhood. His appointment brings him back to the country of his birth after a playing career that made him one of Europe’s leading midfielders.

The 48-year-old won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship with France, collecting 107 international caps. At club level, he became Arsenal captain and made 406 appearances for the London side, winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups. He also led Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003/04 league campaign.

Vieira’s coaching career began with Manchester City’s academy before he took charge of New York City FC in 2016. He led the MLS club to playoff appearances in consecutive seasons, then managed Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa. At Palace, he reached the FA Cup semi-finals and gave opportunities to younger players.

Senegal enter the change of coach from first place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations standings, with seven points from three matches. They have won two games, drawn one, scored seven goals and conceded one. Their recent five-match sequence is less consistent, with defeats by Belgium, Norway and France, a 5-0 win against Iraq and a goalless draw away to Saudi Arabia.

Vieira’s appointment places a World Cup-winning former player at the head of a Senegal side already leading its AFCON group. His experience across academy, club and international football will now shape the next stage of the national team’s project.