Patrick Vieira has described his appointment as Senegal head coach as “an honour” and said taking charge of the Teranga Lions was “one from the heart”. Vieira, 50, was born in Senegal but went on to represent France during his playing career, helping Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
The former Arsenal midfielder was unveiled as Senegal’s new head coach in Dakar on Friday, marking the beginning of his first international managerial role after spells with New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa. “Being head coach of the Senegal national team is an absolute dream,” he told a news conference in Dakar. “I was born here, my parents were born here, and it really is a homecoming.
“From the very first meetings I had with the [Senegal football federation] president, I accepted this challenge straight away, because there was also an exceptional generation of players. “I realise the expectations of the people – all 20 million Senegalese.
And I know that with the experience I have, with the determination I have, I’ll be able to see this project through.” Vieira succeeds Pape Thiaw, who was dismissed after Senegal’s dramatic exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Teranga Lions surrendered a 2-0 lead after 85 minutes against Belgium in the last 32 before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time.
Senegal had earlier won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in extra time in January. However, the final destination of the trophy remains subject to a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport following a walk-off by some Senegal players and staff in protest against a penalty decision during the final. The trophy was subsequently handed to Morocco in March.
Vieira said Senegal’s progress in recent years had raised expectations