Hervé Renard returns to lead Ivory Coast once again

Hervé Renard has been reappointed as head coach of the Ivory Coast national football team, returning for a second spell in charge, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced on Wednesday (August 5).

The 57-year-old Frenchman replaces Emerse Faé, whose contract was not renewed despite guiding the Elephants to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on home soil.

Faé also led Ivory Coast to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, where the team's campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 32.

Renard is no stranger to Ivorian football. During his first stint between 2014 and 2015, he ended the country's long wait for continental glory by leading Ivory Coast to the 2015 AFCON title.

Widely regarded as one of Africa's most successful international coaches, Renard also guided Zambia to their historic first AFCON crown in 2012. His coaching résumé includes spells with Morocco, Ghana, Angola, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Renard earned global recognition at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after masterminding Saudi Arabia's stunning 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina, one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

Although he returned to coach Saudi Arabia in 2024, he was dismissed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His second tenure with Ivory Coast will begin in September, when the Elephants face Ghana in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.