Former Nam Định coach returns to lead Ivory Coast national team after 11 years

Coach Hervé Renard officially returns to lead the Ivory Coast national team, 11 years after helping 'The Elephants' ascend to the African championship.

Ivory Coast reunites with AFCON 2015 hero

The Ivory Coast Football Federation has appointed Hervé Renard as head coach of the national team, replacing coach Emerse Faé. This is the second time the French tactician has taken the helm of 'The Elephants'.

Renard previously coached Ivory Coast from 2014-2015. His greatest achievement was winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, after the West African team defeated Ghana on penalties in the final.

After 11 years, Ivory Coast decided to bring back the 57-year-old coach, hoping to replicate past success and build a team capable of competing in major tournaments.

Replacing Coach Emerse Faé

Hervé Renard takes over the hot seat from Emerse Faé, who was not offered a contract extension after the 2026 World Cup.

Under Faé's leadership, Ivory Coast for the first time in history advanced past the group stage of a World Cup. However, the African representative's journey ended in the round of 16 after a loss to Norway.

Although it made some impression, this result did not fully meet the expectations of the Ivory Coast Football Federation. Renard's experience and deep understanding of African football were seen as key factors in his selection for the new plan.

The coach with a knack for African football

Hervé Renard is one of the most successful coaches in African football history. He helped Zambia win the 2012 AFCON before going on to claim the title with Ivory Coast three years later.

Renard thus became the first coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different national teams. Besides Zambia and Ivory Coast, the French tactician has also worked in Angola, Morocco, and Tunisia.

At World Cup 2022, Renard also made a huge impact when he led Saudi Arabia to a 2-1 victory over Argentina in the group stage. Argentina then went on to win the world championship.

Before returning to Ivory Coast, Renard had a brief stint coaching Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup but could not help the team advance past the group stage.

Special time at Nam Định

Hervé Renard's career also has a notable connection to Vietnamese football. In 2004, he spent about three months coaching Sông Đà Nam Định Club in the V.League.

At that time, Renard was not yet a big name in world football. His time in the city of Nam ended relatively quickly, but afterward the French coach gradually built his reputation with resounding successes in Africa and with national teams.

Renard's immediate important task is to prepare for matches against Ghana and Somalia, while also aiming for the 2027 AFCON to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. If he leads Ivory Coast to the title again, the former Nam Định coach will win his third African championship in his career.