Habib Beye’s Senegal dream stalls as Patrick Vieira nears Lions job

Habib Beye, recently dismissed by Marseille early this summer, may see his dream of coaching Senegal slip away just as it seemed within reach.

The former defender and ex-Lions captain had been strongly linked with the national team job, but a late twist now points toward another candidate.

After ruling out Herve Renard, the Senegalese Football Federation moved forward with Patrick Vieira as the preferred successor to Pape Thiaw. Born in Dakar and a World Cup winner with France in 1998, Vieira has reportedly impressed officials with a clear project to revive the Lions de la Téranga. Free since leaving Genoa in November 2025, he has been in Senegal since late July to present his ideas and hold working meetings with federation leaders.

Local reports say an agreement between Vieira and the FSF is already in place, but administrative issues are delaying any announcement. The federation must first settle compensation linked to Thiaw’s departure and is even considering an interim solution with technical director Souleymane Diallo if the matter drags on.

For Beye, this situation is a real disappointment. He hoped the national team role would be the perfect opportunity to bounce back after his abrupt exit from Marseille, yet Vieira now appears to be ahead in the race.