Vieira unveiled, names first Senegal squad but leaves out Mane
By Joel Masibo, September 20, 2026Patrick Vieira has officially begun his tenure as Senegal head coach after being unveiled in Dakar, with the former France midfielder immediately making a major selection decision by leaving out captain and star forward Sadio Mane.
Vieira, who has signed up for a four-year project with the Lions of Teranga, presented his first squad ahead of Senegal’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The appointment represents a significant personal moment for the 50-year-old, who was born in Dakar before relocating to France at the age of eight.
Vieira said his decision to return to Senegal was motivated by his deep connection with the country and not simply another step in his coaching career.
“As I told you, I was born here in Dakar. My parents were born in Dakar. My whole family, my history is here in Dakar. And from there, taking this national team is not a new step in my career, it is a homecoming,” Vieira stated on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
His first squad contains 29 players, with the coach opting for a combination of established names and new faces as he begins to shape the team for the next international cycle.
Mane dropped
The most notable omission is Mane, who was not included after Vieira spoke to the Al-Nassr forward by phone. The coach explained that the veteran attacker is dealing with a physical problem and is expected to return for a future international camp.
“Regarding Sadio’s absence, whom I spoke to on the phone, he has a physical issue and that is why he will not be with us for this camp, but he surely will be for the next one.”
The decision means Vieira will begin his Senegal reign without one of the country’s most influential players as the team prepares for a demanding series of fixtures.
The new coach has also started refreshing the goalkeeping department following Edouard Mendy’s decision to retire from international football.
Four goalkeepers have been selected, including first-time call-ups for Ngagne Demba Thiam of Monza and Mamour Ndiaye of Saint-Etienne.
Seven players in total have received their maiden senior call-ups. They include Monaco defender Sadibou Sane, Auxerre full-back Lamine Sy and Metz forward Pape Moussa Fall.
Influx of new talent
Despite the influx of new talent, Vieira has made it clear that he does not intend to completely dismantle the team inherited from his predecessors.
“The important thing is not to start from scratch,” Vieira said. “I’m not going to tear everything down or throw everything out the window, but to preserve what has been achieved and begin a four-year cycle.”
Vieira’s first competitive assignment comes against Mozambique in Maputo on September 25, when Senegal launch their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
Five days later, Senegal will travel to face Ethiopia before completing the international window with a friendly against Comoros in Marseille on October 4.
The three matches will give Vieira an early opportunity to introduce his ideas and assess his squad, with Mane unavailable for the opening camp.