Vieira Emerges Favourite For Senegal Coaching Job
Former France captain Patrick Vieira has emerged as the leading candidate to become Senegal's next head coach following the Teranga Lions' exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, the Senegalese Football Federation has started plans for the team's next phase and is considering Vieira as its preferred choice to succeed current coach Pape Thiaw.
The federation is reportedly looking for a coach with strong international experience to lead Senegal into the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the qualification campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Vieira, 49, enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2000 with France.
At club level, he captained Arsenal to three Premier League titles and four FA Cup triumphs, while also featuring for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
Since retiring, Vieira has built a coaching career that includes spells with Manchester City's youth academy, MLS side New York City FC, Ligue 1 clubs Nice and Strasbourg, and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
Although he has yet to manage a national team, Vieira is widely regarded for his tactical approach and ability to nurture young talent.
If appointed, he would become the first French coach to take charge of Senegal since Alain Giresse, with the task of guiding the West African nation back among Africa's leading football powers and improving its standing on the global stage.
According to French newspaper L'Equipe, the Senegalese Football Federation has started plans for the team's next phase and is considering Vieira as its preferred choice to succeed current coach Pape Thiaw.
The federation is reportedly looking for a coach with strong international experience to lead Senegal into the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the qualification campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Vieira, 49, enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2000 with France.
At club level, he captained Arsenal to three Premier League titles and four FA Cup triumphs, while also featuring for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
Since retiring, Vieira has built a coaching career that includes spells with Manchester City's youth academy, MLS side New York City FC, Ligue 1 clubs Nice and Strasbourg, and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
Although he has yet to manage a national team, Vieira is widely regarded for his tactical approach and ability to nurture young talent.
If appointed, he would become the first French coach to take charge of Senegal since Alain Giresse, with the task of guiding the West African nation back among Africa's leading football powers and improving its standing on the global stage.
