More than two years ago, there was already talk of Hervé Renard returning as coach of the Ivory Coast. Now the 57-year-old hopes to build on his past successes with the Elephants.
“I haven’t been to Africa for six years. I’ve missed Africa during that time. I think I’ll stay on the continent,” Hervé Renard predicted after his unsuccessful stint with Tunisia in early July. Previously, the Frenchman had taken over the North African team at the World Cup following their 1-5 group-stage opener against Sweden, only to part ways again after two losses (1-3 against the Netherlands, 0-4 against Japan).
Just under a month later, the 57-year-old Frenchman’s statements have now come true: He will take over the Ivory Coast going forward—the federation announced this on Tuesday afternoon. It was only officially announced on Friday that the contract of former national team coach Emerse Faé, who quickly rose to the status of a national hero, would not be renewed and would expire on July 31. According to a report by the French sports newspaper L’Équipe, this move was initiated by the 42-year-old.
This has now led to a curious twist: Back in 2024, after a disappointing group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, Faé had taken over the Elephants for the knockout stage due to a lack of alternatives and ultimately led the Ivorians to a surprise title victory. However, Renard was originally supposed to take over back then—just as he is set to do with Tunisia in 2026. That plan fell through, though, which is what opened the door for Faé in the first place.
Renard leads the Ivory Coast to the African Championship in 2015
More than two years late, what was once planned is now coming to fruition—and for Renard, it’s also a small homecoming: The 57-year-old coach had already led the Elephants for just under a year between June 2014 and May 2015. During that time, Renard led the Ivorians to the title at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Prior to that, the Frenchman had already guided Zambia to this continental title in 2012.
Renard aims to build on these successes during his second stint with the West African team. Most recently, the Elephants were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations and in the round of 32 at the World Cup.
With his appointment in Côte d’Ivoire, Renard once again demonstrates his commitment to the African continent. This is already his ninth coaching position in Africa.