The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has officially appointed French coach Hervé Renard as the new head coach of the Ivory Coast senior national team, marking his return to the Elephants more than a decade after guiding the country to Africa Cup of Nations glory.

Renard succeeds Emerse Fae, whose tenure came to an end after the federation opted not to renew his contract. The appointment was confirmed in a statement released by the federation on Tuesday. Blueprint reports

The 57-year-old French tactician returns for a second spell in charge of the West African giants and is expected to immediately begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scheduled to commence in September 2026.

Federation confirms appointment

Announcing the decision, the Ivorian Football Federation said Renard had been entrusted with leading the country’s senior national team as it seeks to build on its recent successes and remain among Africa’s elite football nations.

“The Ivorian Football Federation hereby informs the Ivorian football community, its member associations, its institutional and commercial partners, and the general public that Mr. Hervé Jean-Marie Roger Renard has been appointed Head Coach of the Ivory Coast National A Team,” the federation stated.

His appointment brings back one of the most accomplished coaches in African football, whose reputation has been built on delivering success with national teams across the continent.

Return to familiar territory

Renard is no stranger to Ivorian football, having previously managed the Elephants between 2014 and 2015.

His first spell remains one of the most memorable periods in the country’s football history, culminating in Ivory Coast’s triumph at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

That victory ended the country’s 23-year wait for an AFCON title after defeating Ghana in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.

The achievement cemented Renard’s place among Africa’s most successful international coaches and strengthened his reputation as a specialist in tournament football.

Outstanding African record

Renard remains the only coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries.

He first achieved continental glory in 2012 when he guided Zambia to a historic AFCON triumph after an emotional victory over Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

Three years later, he repeated the feat with Ivory Coast, becoming the first coach to lift the trophy with two different national teams.

Beyond Zambia and Ivory Coast, Renard has coached several African national teams, including Angola and Morocco, helping the Atlas Lions qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after a 20-year absence from the global tournament.

His deep understanding of African football has made him one of the continent’s most respected international coaches.

Replacing Emerse Fae

Renard’s appointment follows the departure of Emerse Fae, whose contract was not renewed by the federation.

Fae, a former Ivory Coast international, had been part of the coaching setup before assuming the head coaching role and guided the Elephants during an important phase of their development.

The federation has now turned to Renard’s wealth of experience as it seeks sustained success in upcoming continental competitions.

Football observers believe the decision reflects Ivory Coast’s ambition to remain among the leading football nations in Africa.

Focus on AFCON 2027

Renard’s immediate assignment will be preparing the Elephants for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which begins next month.

Ivory Coast will be aiming not only to qualify comfortably for the continental championship but also to assemble a squad capable of challenging for another African title.

The French coach is expected to combine experienced internationals with emerging talents as he begins another rebuilding process.

His tactical discipline, motivational ability and extensive tournament experience are regarded as major assets ahead of the qualifiers.

One of Africa’s most decorated coaches

Over the past two decades, Renard has established himself as one of the most accomplished coaches to work in African football.

His achievements include:

Winning the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia.
Winning the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
Guiding Morocco to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, ending the country’s two-decade absence from the competition.
Managing several national teams across Africa and the Middle East while earning a reputation for building disciplined, competitive squads.
His return is expected to provide stability and experience to an Ivory Coast team seeking continued success on the continental stage.

Renewed expectations

Renard’s appointment has generated excitement among Ivorian football supporters, many of whom remember his role in delivering the country’s second AFCON title.

With qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations set to begin in September, attention will now shift to his squad selection, tactical approach and plans for the next phase of the Elephants’ development.

For Ivory Coast, the return of the veteran French coach represents more than a change on the bench. It is a reunion with one of the country’s most successful football managers and a renewed bid to restore the Elephants to the summit of African football.