Patrick Vieira signs contract to become Senegal manager until 2030

Patrick Vieira has signed his contract to become Senegal manager, almost a month after his appointment was first announced.

The Frenchman was named as the successor to Pape Thiaw by the Senegalese Football Federation in mid-August, but the formal agreement was not completed until Monday, according to Senegalese website Senego.

Vieira has signed a deal to lead the Teranga Lions until 2030. He is expected to be presented to the media next Friday.

The delay followed discussions over the administrative and contractual terms of his appointment. In a statement last month, the Senegalese Football Federation said its emergency committee had held an extraordinary video meeting at 15:00 on Monday, 17 August 2026.

“The emergency committee unanimously approved the appointment of Patrick Vieira as head coach of the Senegal senior national team,” the statement said.

It added: “This decision represents another important milestone in the Senegalese Football Federation’s commitment to building a high-level technical staff that fully aligns with the sporting ambitions of our country.”

The federation also said: “Discussions concerning the administrative and contractual terms are still ongoing between the parties concerned. The date of the official presentation of the new coach, as well as the next steps relating to the start of his duties, will be announced later.”

Vieira, who holds French nationality, has Senegalese heritage and was born in the capital, Dakar, in 1976.

The former Arsenal captain began his coaching career with Manchester City’s youth team before moving to New York City. He subsequently managed French club Nice, English side Crystal Palace, French club Strasbourg and Italian team Genoa in his most recent role.

Senegal dismissed Thiaw after their elimination from the World Cup in the round of 32. The Teranga Lions lost 3-2 to Belgium after leading 2-0 until the 86th minute.

Under Thiaw, Senegal played 25 matches in all competitions, winning 15, drawing four and losing six.

Senegal were also awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title during Thiaw’s tenure, although the honour was later withdrawn by the Confederation of African Football because of the coach’s decision to withdraw before victory over Morocco had been achieved.

Senegal player Pape Gueye had previously said he would not play for the national team unless Thiaw left following their World Cup exit.