BREAKING NEWS: Hervé Renard officially returns as Côte d’Ivoire head coach

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has officially announced the appointment of Hervé Renard as the new head coach of the Côte d’Ivoire senior national team, marking the Frenchman’s sensational return to the Elephants more than a decade after leading them to Africa Cup of Nations glory.

Renard replaces Emerse Faé, whose contract expired on July 31, 2026, following the federation’s decision not to renew his deal despite guiding Côte d’Ivoire through a successful period that included winning the 2023 AFCON on home soil.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FIF said Renard’s appointment reflects the federation’s ambition to build on the recent achievements of the national team while pursuing greater success on both the African and international stages.

The 57-year-old is no stranger to Ivorian football, having guided the Elephants to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title in Equatorial Guinea.

His return is expected to bring vast experience, tactical discipline and a deep understanding of African football as Côte d’Ivoire prepares for a new cycle of international competitions.

According to the federation, Renard will work closely with the governing and technical structures of FIF to maintain the team’s upward trajectory.

He is expected to arrive in Abidjan in the coming days before being officially unveiled at a press conference, with details of the presentation to be announced later.

Renard’s immediate focus will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where his first match in charge is set to come against long-time rivals Ghana in September.

The fixture is already generating significant excitement, with the experienced French coach aiming to make an instant impact in his second spell with the Elephants.

The Ivorian Football Federation concluded its statement by welcoming Renard back and wishing him success as he embarks on another chapter with one of Africa’s football powerhouses.