On Friday, Dakar welcomed Patrick Vieira as the new head coach of the Senegal national team, a decision he described as "an honour" and "one from the heart." Vieira, who was born in Senegal and later represented France, won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship with Les Bleus.
During a news conference, Vieira said, "Being head coach of the Senegal national team is an absolute dream. I was born here, my parents were born here, and it really is a homecoming." He added that the challenge was accepted immediately after meeting with the Senegal Football Federation president, noting the exceptional generation of players available.
Vieira takes over after the dismissal of Pape Thiaw. Senegal exited the 2026 World Cup in the last 32, losing 3‑2 to Belgium after a 2‑0 lead was overturned in extra time. The team also won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, though the trophy was later awarded to Morocco following a walk‑off by Senegal players and staff.
He plans to build on the federation’s existing structure, aiming for intensity and aggression while preserving the team’s identity and unity. Vieira said, "It’s about respecting what the federation has put in place over the last few years and building the next stage, opening a new chapter."
Competitive action begins soon, with qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The first match, originally scheduled for a home game against Mozambique on 25 September, was moved to Maputo due to preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Senegal will also face Ethiopia on 29 September.
Key players will miss the upcoming fixtures: goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has retired, forward Sadio Mané is absent with a physical issue, and right‑back Krepin Diatta is clubless. Vieira said Mané will likely return when fit.
Vieira’s managerial record includes stints at New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa. He left Palace in March 2023 and was sacked by Genoa in November 2024 after a poor start to the season.
He was warmly received in Dakar, waving the Senegal flag and shaking hands with fans at the airport. "Taking charge of this national team isn’t just a new stage in my career – it’s coming back home," Vieira said.
