Patrick Vieira appointed as Senegal national team head coach

Patrick Vieira has officially been presented as the new head coach of the Senegal national football team in Dakar. Describing the appointment as an ‘absolute dream’ and a ‘homecoming,’ the 50-year-old former French international inherits a squad following their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, though the final outcome of that tournament remains subject to a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling.

Vieira’s first squad selection features several notable changes and absences. Defender Malang Sarr, who plays for Neom SC, has been called up to represent his ancestral nation. Meanwhile, the team faces significant offensive challenges for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia, as Sadio Mané is sidelined with an injury, and Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye are serving CAF suspensions.

In addition to the senior squad changes, 20-year-old goalkeeper Mamour Ndiaye has received his first call-up, marking a move toward squad renewal. The new technical era begins with a focus on building a structured, intense side to maintain Senegal’s standing among major footballing nations.