Herve Renard has been appointed head coach of Cote d’Ivoire, returning to the national team more than a decade after leading them to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015.
The Frenchman previously managed the Elephants between June 2014 and May 2015, guiding them to continental glory during his first spell in charge. He will now return to take responsibility for the team’s upcoming African and international commitments.
The appointment was confirmed by the Federation Ivoirienne de Football on Tuesday. In a statement, the governing body said Renard would lead the national side through the next stage of its development as Cote d’Ivoire seek to remain competitive in major tournaments and continue challenging for honours.
“Champion of Africa with Cote d’Ivoire in 2015, Herve Renard returns to lead the Elephants. His mission will be to oversee the preparation of the national team and its participation in the next international competitions,” the federation said.
Renard is expected to arrive in Abidjan in the coming days to begin his duties. His formal presentation to the media and supporters will take place at a news conference, with the date to be announced later.
He replaces Ivorian coach Emerse Fae, whose contract expired on 31 July 2026. The two parties decided not to extend their working relationship.
Fae took charge during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after the departure of the previous manager and delivered a memorable triumph on home soil, with Cote d’Ivoire lifting the trophy. He subsequently guided the team to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Renard returns to a squad and football structure he knows well after overseeing one of the most significant achievements of his international management career in 2015. Cote d’Ivoire defeated Ghana on penalties in the final in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, to claim their second Africa Cup of Nations crown.
The new appointment also adds to a career marked by repeated returns to national teams. Renard managed Zambia from 2008 to 2010 and again from 2011 to 2013, while his two spells with Saudi Arabia ran from 2019 to 2023 and from 2024 to 2026.
He was also involved at the 2026 World Cup, taking temporary charge of Tunisia for two matches after Sabri Lamouchi left the position. That assignment came shortly before Renard’s return to Cote d’Ivoire was announced.
His second spell with the Elephants will begin with the immediate task of preparing the squad for its next continental and international fixtures, while also attempting to build on the recent successes achieved under Fae.
