Vieira calls Senegal job 'an absolute dream'

Born in Senegal but a World Cup winner with France, Patrick Vieira now returns home to lead the Teranga Lions.

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What happened. Patrick Vieira has been unveiled as Senegal head coach, taking over after the dismissal of Pape Thiaw. The 50-year-old, born in Senegal but a 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winner with France, called the job an 'absolute dream' and a homecoming.

• Vieira's first international job after club stints with New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
• He inherits a side that won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco.
• Senegal exited the 2026 World Cup in the last 32, losing 3-2 to Belgium after extra time.

“Being head coach of the Senegal national team is an absolute dream.”

— Patrick Vieira

Vieira takes charge of a recent Afcon-winning squad as Senegal look to build on their continental success.

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