Former French captain Patrick Vieira, aged 50, appointed as head coach of Senegal's national football team.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially announced the appointment of Patrick Vieira, the legendary captain of Arsenal and the French national team, as the new head coach of the men's national football team.

The 50-year-old Vieira will succeed Pape Thiaw, who resigned after the team was eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 USA-Canadian World Cup.

Vieira was born in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and moved to France at the age of eight. During his illustrious playing career, he represented the French national team in over 100 matches and won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

His return to lead the national team signifies that this legendary figure has officially returned to his roots. The Senegalese Football Federation stated that this significant appointment demonstrates the federation's determination to strengthen its top-tier technical coaching team, aligning perfectly with the national team's ambitious goals.

After retiring and transitioning to head coach, Vieira accumulated a wealth of coaching experience, managing clubs such as New York City FC in MLS, Nice in Ligue 1, Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and Genoa in Serie A. He led Nice to the top of Ligue 1 and Crystal Palace to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Currently, Vieira's contract details are in the final stages of finalization. Following the controversial refereeing decisions at the Africa Cup of Nations and their elimination from the World Cup, the Senegalese national football team is entering a new cycle. Vieira is expected to make his coaching debut next month, leading Senegal in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Image source: Internet/BBC official website