Vieira takes charge of Senegal national team

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira has been appointed head coach of the Senegal national team, according to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). The 50-year-old native of Dakar replaces Pape Thiaw, whose reign concluded following Senegal's World Cup elimination in the round of 32. The FSF announced Vieira's appointment via a statement on social media platform X, noting that the specifics of his official introduction and subsequent appointments will be revealed in a future announcement.

Vieira's coaching career has spanned clubs in England, France, and Italy, including his time managing Crystal Palace in the Premier League and French teams Nice and Strasbourg. He also had a brief stint in charge of Serie A side Genoa. As one of France's most decorated midfielders, Vieira played a pivotal role in the national team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, earning over 100 caps for his country.

At the club level, Vieira is most synonymous with Arsenal, where he amassed more than 400 appearances and claimed three Premier League titles.

Vieira's first matches as Senegal's head coach are scheduled for the next international window, as the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions gear up for the 2027 tournament. Qualification matches are set to commence as early as September.