NEXT CHALLENGE: Ex-NYCFC coach Vieira named Senegal men’s boss

Patrick Vieira will manage his first national team with Senegal. (FrontRowSoccer.com Photo)

Former New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira has a new job.

He has been named head coach of the Senegal men’s national team.

Vieira has been looking for a job since he was fired by Genoa in November 2025 with the league teetering on relegation from Italy’s Serie A.

“Mr. Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team,” the Senegal Football Federation said on social media.

“The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach.”

Vieira replaced the sacked Pape Thiaw, who was given a pink slip after Senegal was eliminated by Belgium, losing in extra time, 3-2, in the Round of 32 at the World Cup.

Senegal is the first international team that Vieira has coached.

The 50-year-old Vieira, who forged a reputation as a top-flight midfielder with the 1998 World Cup champion France and Arsenal for almost a decade in the Premier League in England.

His first coaching venture was with NYCFC, from 2016-18, before leaving to guide Nice in French Ligue 1. He also has coached at Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and, most recently, Genoa.