‘Honoured and proud’ to lead Lions of Teranga – Patrick Vieira speaks on Senegal job

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira says he is “honoured and proud” to take charge of Senegal as he prepares to begin his tenure as head coach of the national team.

Vieira spoke publicly for the first time since being announced as the new coach of the Lions of Teranga, confirming his commitment to the role ahead of his official unveiling in Dakar.

The former Crystal Palace manager was named as the successor to Pape Thiaw several weeks ago, but had not previously addressed his appointment.

Vieira ended the uncertainty on Monday with a message on Instagram, accompanied by images announcing his arrival on the Senegal bench.

“Honored and proud to join Senegal as head coach of the national A team,” Vieira wrote.

“I thank the Senegalese Football Federation for their confidence.

“I am looking forward to meeting the group and starting work together on the next steps.”

The 50-year-old is expected to formally begin his duties this week as Senegal prepare for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignments.

Vieira to be unveiled on Friday

The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed that Vieira will be officially presented to the media on Friday, September 18, at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

The ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 GMT and will also see the former France international announce his first squad since taking over the national team.

“The Senegalese Football Federation informs media professionals, the sporting public as well as national and international opinion that the official presentation ceremony of Patrick Vieira, the new coach of the National Team A, will be held on Friday, September 18th, at 10:30 GMT, in the press conference room of the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, in Dakar,” the federation said.

“During this ceremony, the national coach will announce the official list of players called up for the upcoming international window, both preparatory and competitive.”

The squad announcement will be followed by a question-and-answer session between Vieira and members of the media.

The federation has also instructed journalists and technical staff covering the event to be in place by 09:30 GMT for organisational and security reasons.

Thiaw sacked after World Cup disappointment

Vieira inherits the Senegal team after Thiaw was dismissed following their disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Senegal reached the knockout phase but suffered a dramatic exit after surrendering a two-goal advantage in their last-32 encounter against Belgium.

The Lions of Teranga had already endured a difficult group-stage campaign, losing their opening two matches against France and Norway.

Although they recovered to progress to the knockout rounds, their 3-2 defeat to Belgium brought an abrupt end to their tournament.

The result prompted the Senegalese Football Federation to part ways with Thiaw, who had been in charge since December 2024.

Vieira now takes responsibility for rebuilding the side and guiding the country into the next phase of international competition.

His first major test will come in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Senegal scheduled to face Mozambique in Maputo on September 25.

They will then travel to Bahir Dar to meet Ethiopia on September 29 before finishing the international window with a friendly against Comoros at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome on October 4.

From Senegal-born player to national coach

Vieira’s appointment carries a strong personal connection, having been born in Senegal before going on to establish himself as one of France’s most celebrated footballers.

He represented France from 1997 to 2010, making 107 appearances and captaining the national side during his international career.

The former midfielder was part of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup on home soil and lifted the European Championship two years later.

He also featured at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and played at Euro 2004 and Euro 2008.

After retiring from international football, Vieira moved into coaching and began his managerial career with Manchester City’s academy in 2013.

He left two years later to take charge of Major League Soccer side New York City FC, before returning to Europe with Ligue 1 club Nice in 2018.

His subsequent coaching career included spells at Crystal Palace and Strasbourg before he moved to Italy to manage Genoa in 2024.

He left Genoa in November 2025, paving the way for his return to international football with Senegal.

Now, the former Arsenal captain faces one of the biggest challenges of his managerial career as he attempts to translate his experience at club level into success with the country of his birth.