Senegal set to appoint Arsenal great Patrick Vieira as new head coach

Senegal are reportedly preparing to name former France international and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira as their new head coach, following the departure of Pape Thiaw.

Thiaw left his position with the Lions of Teranga after Senegal were eliminated in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup last month. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has since been considering a number of possible replacements, with Vieira now reported to be the leading candidate.

According to Pan-Africa Football, the former Arsenal captain will succeed Thiaw in charge of the national team. The appointment would represent Vieira’s first role in international football and would mark a new stage in a coaching career that has so far been spent entirely in the club game.

Vieira has been without a managerial position since leaving Serie A side Genoa at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. Before his latest role in Italy, the Frenchman coached in both Ligue 1 and the Premier League.

The move to Senegal would therefore be Vieira’s first opportunity to work directly with a national side. It would also see him take responsibility for one of Africa’s leading football nations after a change in the team’s management.

The report also states that Teungueth FC coach Malick Daf is expected to join the national-team set-up as Vieira’s assistant.

Daf has previous experience with Senegal’s youth teams, and the FSF is understood to believe that his knowledge of the country and its football will be an important asset to the senior side. His proposed involvement would provide local experience alongside Vieira’s background in European club football.

Senegal are seeking a new direction after Thiaw’s departure, with the former coach leaving following their Round of 32 exit at the World Cup. Although Vieira’s appointment has been reported, it has not been presented as officially confirmed in the information available.

Vieira’s possible arrival would bring a high-profile name to the Senegal job. The Frenchman is best known for his distinguished playing career and for his time with Arsenal, while his managerial experience has included work in France, England and Italy.

For now, the reported plan is for Vieira to take over as head coach and for Daf to be appointed as his assistant, with the FSF aiming to combine the Frenchman’s international reputation with Daf’s familiarity with Senegalese football.