Emerse Faé, head coach of the Ivory Coast national team, has officially obtained the Brevet d’Entraîneur Professionnel de Football (BEPF), the highest coaching certification in French football.
The achievement marks a significant step in Faé’s career, solidifying his credentials at the top level of the sport.
After years of dedication to coaching and a steady rise through the professional ranks, the former Ivorian international has now joined an elite group of managers qualified to lead teams in Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and all UEFA-sanctioned competitions.
Faé’s name was listed among the successful graduates for the 2024–2025 cycle, capping off a remarkable year in which he also guided the Ivory Coast to victory at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
That triumph, achieved on home soil, elevated his profile across the continent and drew widespread praise for his tactical acumen and leadership under pressure.
The BEPF diploma, awarded by the French Football Federation, is considered one of the most demanding and respected qualifications in European football.
Earning it involves extensive coursework, tactical analysis, practical sessions, and a final evaluation by a panel of top-level instructors.
It is a requirement for anyone wishing to manage at the highest levels of club football in France and beyond.
Faé’s successful completion of the programme is a testament to his commitment to professional growth and his long-term vision for coaching.
Since transitioning from his playing career, which included spells at Nantes and Nice as well as over 40 caps for the Ivory Coast, Faé has steadily built a reputation as a meticulous and forward-thinking coach.
“This diploma is a personal achievement, but also a step forward for Ivorian football,” Faé stated following the announcement.
While he has not commented extensively on his future ambitions, his new qualification opens doors across European football, should he one day seek a club role outside international management.
In Ivory Coast, the news has been met with pride, as Faé becomes one of the few African coaches to hold the BEPF.
It marks a further evolution in his transformation from respected midfielder to top-tier tactician, now recognised not only for his recent continental success but also for his ability to meet the rigorous standards of European coaching education.
The milestone also shifts perceptions around Faé’s standing in the football world. No longer seen as a rising talent or promising outsider, he now enters the category of established professionals with the credentials to manage at the very top.
With the BEPF in hand, Faé is eligible to lead teams in the most competitive leagues and on the biggest international stages.
As the Elephants prepare for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments, Faé’s enhanced status will undoubtedly bolster confidence within the squad.
His combination of hands-on experience, academic excellence, and recent competitive success positions him as a leading figure in African football’s coaching renaissance.
Emerse Faé’s latest accomplishment not only highlights his personal dedication but also reflects the growing influence of African coaches on the global football stage.
With his BEPF diploma secured, a new chapter begins—one that promises further breakthroughs, both for Faé and the next generation of African managers he continues to inspire.
