French coach Herve Renard is at the centre of an intense tug-of-war between leading African and Asian national teams, with South Korea and South Africa among several countries considering moves for the former Saudi Arabia boss.
Renard, who briefly took charge of Tunisia at the 2026 World Cup, has retained a high market value despite the short-lived nature of that role, according to French outlet Foot Mercato. His reputation, particularly in Africa and Asia, remains strong due to a track record of delivering impact in a short space of time.
South Korea move tops immediate options
In Asia, Renard is understood to be a leading candidate to become the next head coach of South Korea’s national team.
South Korean media report that he is at the top of the shortlist to replace Hong Myung-bo, who left his position after the team failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Renard’s previous spell in Asia with Saudi Arabia is said to be a major factor in his continued appeal. During his tenure with the Green Falcons, he oversaw notable performances that impressed regional federations and made him one of the most in-demand coaches in that part of the world.
His success with Saudi Arabia has helped solidify his status as a coach capable of organising and motivating teams quickly, particularly in tournament conditions.
Interest strong across Africa
The battle for Renard’s services is not confined to Asia. In Africa, his name continues to feature prominently in succession plans for several high-profile national teams.
In South Africa, Renard is viewed as one of the prime contenders to succeed Belgian coach Hugo Broos, should the South African Football Association decide to make a change at the helm of Bafana Bafana.
Senegal are also understood to be monitoring the 55-year-old’s situation. Reports indicate that the Senegalese Football Federation is exploring ways to strengthen its long-term technical project, with Renard emerging again as a possible option in that context.
Algeria is another potential destination. Local reports suggest that, if there is a change in the position currently held by Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic, Renard would immediately be among the priority names considered to lead the national team.
Double AFCON champion weighing options
Renard’s standing on the continent is rooted in his historic success at the Africa Cup of Nations. He has lifted the trophy twice – first with Zambia and later with Ivory Coast – a rare achievement that continues to bolster his appeal to African federations searching for a proven tournament specialist.
For now, the Frenchman finds himself with multiple possible pathways. After the brief Tunisian chapter at the 2026 World Cup, there is growing anticipation over where he will choose to continue his international coaching career.
Whether he returns to the African stage where he built his legacy, or re-enters Asian football with a high-profile job such as South Korea, Renard appears set to remain one of the most sought-after figures in the global national-team coaching market.
A separate development closely watched in France concerns another high-profile managerial story: the long-awaited announcement of Zinedine Zidane’s next appointment, with a date for the official confirmation now reported to have been set.
