Patrick Vieira will officially become Senegal’s head coach on Monday after signing a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle.
Vieira, 49, will replace Pape Thiaw. He will lead Senegal through the 2027 and 2028 Africa Cup of Nations and guide their attempt to qualify for the 2030 World Cup.
Senegal first announced Vieira as their new coach on August 18 after reaching an agreement in principle. However, the deal was delayed while waiting for approval from the Ministry of Sport.
Sport News Africa reports that Vieira will be officially introduced as coach on September 18 in Dakar.
The long process was mainly due to waiting for the Ministry of Sport’s approval, since the ministry funds the national team.
Even with the delay, Vieira has started preparing for his first international matches. He has contacted several players and finalized his squad for the first 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
During these talks, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy reportedly told Vieira he has decided to retire from international football.
Vieira is expected to guide the team through a gradual transition as some experienced players near the end of their international careers.
Senegal will start their AFCON qualifying campaign with away games against Mozambique and Ethiopia, then play a friendly against Comoros in Marseille.
Vieira was born in Dakar and played for France during his successful career. He later managed teams like Nice and Crystal Palace.
He also has strong ties to Senegalese football as a co-founder of the Diambars academy, set up in 2000 to help develop young players in Senegal.
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