Lions of Teranga aim high: Arsenal and France legend close to taking over Senegal?

Pape Thiaw's spell in charge of Senegal was far from disappointing. The Lions of Teranga won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, only to be stripped of the title two months later, and reached the World Cup Round of 16, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Belgium after squandering a commanding 2-0 lead.

Still, it wasn't enough to keep the 45-year-old in the job, as the two sides parted ways two weeks ago.

However, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wasted no time, as they've reportedly set their sights on a major name as Thiaw's successor - none other than Patrick Vieira!

The former Arsenal captain and club legend, and the ex-France international, was born in Dakar, Senegal, before moving to France at the age of eight.

He reportedly did not return to Senegal until 2003, 19 years after leaving, but he could soon be visiting Senegal much more often.

According to The Sun, the 50-year-old tactician and the FSF have already held talks, with the British outlet claiming that the Frenchman is "on the brink" of taking over the national team.

Date set for hearing of Senegal's AFCON title appeal

Over the course of his managerial career, Vieira has coached New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg, and Genoa, and has been without a club since last November when he parted ways with the Italian team.

If he gets appointed as the new Senegal head coach, his first assignment on the bench would be the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which get underway in September. The Lions of Teranga have been drawn in Group J, alongside Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Sudan.