The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has officially appointed Hervé Renard as the new head coach of the Côte d’Ivoire men’s national team, bringing back the French tactician more than a decade after he guided the Elephants to their historic 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
Renard, 57, succeeds Emerse Faé, whose contract was not renewed following the expiration of his deal. The decision comes despite Faé’s successful tenure, during which he led Côte d’Ivoire to the 2023 AFCON title on home soil and oversaw the country’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage in 2026 before their elimination by Norway in the Round of 32.
Renard first took charge of Côte d’Ivoire in 2014 and delivered immediate success by ending the nation’s 23-year wait for an AFCON title. Under his leadership, the Elephants defeated Ghana on penalties in the 2015 final, securing the country’s second continental championship.
His return marks 11 years since he left the role after that triumph, with the federation banking on his proven record to guide another generation of Ivorian talent.
Renard is regarded as one of the continent’s most accomplished national team managers. He remains the only coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries Zambia (2012) and Côte d’Ivoire (2015).
His international coaching résumé also includes spells with Morocco, Saudi Arabia, France’s women’s national team and, most recently, Tunisia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The appointment follows a surprising decision by the Ivorian Football Federation not to extend Emerse Faé’s contract, despite his recent achievements.
According to reports, FIF believes Renard’s experience and tournament pedigree make him the ideal candidate to lead the national team into the next cycle, with qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations now among the immediate priorities. Côte d’Ivoire is expected to face Ghana and Somalia in upcoming qualifiers.