The search for Pape Thiaw’s successor has officially begun. Following the end of his tenure with the Senegal national team, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is considering several candidates to find a coach who can reignite the Lions of Teranga. One name that keeps popping up is Hervé Renard. According to multiple reliable sources, the former coach of Tunisia is among the serious contenders to take charge of the Senegalese team in the coming weeks.
The Federation’s desire to invest in an experienced coach has been clearly expressed by its Secretary General, Abdoulaye Seydou Sow. Speaking on RTS, he outlined the direction the governing body wants to take. “Senegal can no longer play minor roles in Africa and the world. If we want a competitive team, we need a top-level coach.” This statement reflects the FSF’s ambition to hand the Lions over to a coach recognized on the international stage after a disappointing 2026 World Cup.
Pape Thiaw’s departure has opened a significant period of reflection within the Federation. Despite a journey marked by positive moments, the failure at the 2026 World Cup has led the leaders to turn the page and start searching for a new coach. Since this decision, several names have been repeatedly mentioned, showing that the FSF wants to take its time to study the best profiles before making a final choice.
According to information from the French daily L’Équipe, Patrick Vieira is currently the frontrunner. The former French international, who has managed clubs like Crystal Palace, Nice, and Genoa, has solid experience in European football. His profile appeals to several members of the Federation, who appreciate his high-level knowledge, personality, and ability to manage a dressing room full of players competing in top leagues.
However, Patrick Vieira is not the only candidate under consideration. According to journalist Micky Jnr, Hervé Renard is also on the shortlist drawn up by Senegalese officials. The French coach has an exceptional track record on the African continent. He remains the only coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different teams: Zambia in 2012, after a historic run, and then Ivory Coast in 2015. This success makes him one of the most respected coaches in African football.
Beyond his titles, Hervé Renard has considerable experience leading several national teams. His ability to build competitive squads, manage the pressure of major competitions, and get the best out of his players is a strong argument in his favor. Sure, his recent stint with Tunisia ended with an early exit at the 2026 World Cup, which raises some questions. Nevertheless, many believe this record does not undermine the quality of his work or his expertise in African football.
Why did Pape Thiaw ask for 1 billion 900 million FCFA from the Federation (read in comments) pic.twitter.com/psX93wf5a2
— SeneNews (@Senenews) July 13, 2026
The situation is becoming even more complex as the Frenchman is also catching the eye of other federations. According to various reports, Hervé Renard is also among the candidates likely to succeed Vladimir Petković as head coach of the Algerian national team. If these leads materialize, the coach could quickly become one of the most sought-after managers on the continent. The battle to convince a coach of his caliber could be particularly fierce.
While waiting for an official decision, the Senegalese Federation continues its consultations to identify the ideal profile to guide the Lions toward upcoming challenges, including the qualifiers for the AFCON and the World Cup. With Patrick Vieira, Hervé Renard, and other still discreet candidates in the mix, the suspense remains. One thing is certain: the future coach will have the heavy task of reinvigorating a Senegal team that aims to quickly return to the heights of African and world football.
