Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of Senegal on a four-year contract, marking the beginning of a new era for the Teranga Lions ahead of their upcoming international commitments.
The Frenchman, who was born in Dakar and represented France at senior level, is expected to arrive with his own technical staff, which will be complemented by several local coaches. His official presentation is scheduled for September 18, according to reports from Senegalese media.
Vieira’s appointment was first announced on August 18, with the Senegalese Football Federation handing him the responsibility of guiding the national team through the next phase of its development.
The former Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City midfielder will replace Pape Thiaw, who had been in charge of the Lions following Aliou Cissé’s departure. Thiaw guided Senegal to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was involved in the team’s controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final campaign.
Alongside Vieira’s appointment, former Senegal international defender Kader Mangane has been named General Manager of the national team. Mangane replaces Lamine Diatta and is expected to play a central role in coordinating the administrative and sporting operations surrounding the Lions.
The new Vieira–Mangane structure is intended to combine international coaching experience with local knowledge as Senegal prepares for a demanding period.
Vieira’s first major assignments are expected to come during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Senegal are scheduled to face Mozambique and Ethiopia during the September international window, before a friendly encounter against Comoros in Marseille on October 4.
In his first public message after taking charge, Vieira expressed pride at leading the country of his birth.
“Honoured and proud to join Senegal as head coach of the senior national team.”
He also thanked the Senegalese Football Federation for its confidence and said he was eager to meet the players and begin preparations for the team’s next challenges.
The appointment represents Vieira’s first senior international coaching role. His previous managerial experience includes spells with New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
With a four-year mandate, a mixed technical staff and Mangane taking on a key management role, Senegal are moving to establish a new structure around the national team as the Lions target continued success on the continental and global stage.