Photo via BBC Sport

Senegal job an 'absolute dream' for new boss Vieira

Patrick Vieira has taken charge of Senegal in what marks his inaugural foray into international coaching. Born in the country before enjoying a playing career with France that included winning both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, the 50-year-old former Arsenal midfielder described the appointment as a genuine homecoming at his introductory media briefing in Dakar.

He assumes the position following club-level tenures managing Genoa, Strasbourg, Crystal Palace, Nice, and New York City.

Vieira replaces Pape Thiaw, whose squad suffered a round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup after letting a late two-goal advantage slip against Belgium in an eventual 3-2 extra-time defeat. Earlier in January, Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 in extra time to earn the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown, though the final outcome of that championship remains contested at the Court of Arbitration for Sport after an on-field walk-off protesting a penalty prompted the trophy to be awarded to Morocco in March.

Looking ahead, the new manager intends to preserve the group's established foundation while instilling greater tactical discipline, intensity, and unity.