By Kwame Bediako
Hervé Renard has been appointed as the new head coach of the Côte d’Ivoire national team, marking a sensational return to the Elephants 11 years after his first spell. The French tactician is set to replace Emerse Faé, whose contract expired on 31 July 2026 and was not renewed.
AFCON-winning coach comes back
Renard previously led Côte d’Ivoire from 2014 to 2015, guiding the team to their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015 with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Ghana. He became the first coach in history to win AFCON with two different countries, having also lifted the trophy with Zambia in 2012.
From Tunisia to the Elephants
The 57-year-old was available after a short interim spell in charge of Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup, following his departure from the Saudi Arabia job. Multiple French and African outlets reported that Renard chose to return to Côte d’Ivoire rather than pursue other national-team options, with the Ivorian Football Federation expected to confirm the appointment officially.
What Renard brings to the Elephants
His reappointment is seen as a move to restore stability and experience to a side that has struggled to consistently perform at major tournaments since 2015. Renard’s track record in African football, his familiarity with the squad and the continent, and his proven ability to win knockout games make him a high-profile and symbolic choice for the federation.
