The Ivorian Football Federation today announced the appointment of the experienced French coach Hervé Renard as the new coach of Ivory Coast, in a surprising move that brings back one of the most prominent coaching figures in the African continent to lead the “Elephants” after a full decade absence. This decision puts an end to speculations about the future of the Ivorian national team’s technical management and heralds a new phase under the leadership of a coach with a rich record of successes in African football.
According to press reports, the Ivorian federation has completed all necessary procedures to contract Hervé Renard, succeeding the former coach Emile Rustom. This strategic step aims to start a new phase of football development for the national team, relying on Renard’s extensive experience in handling the challenges of African football, especially since he previously led Ivory Coast to win the African Cup of Nations title in 2015.
Renard is a shining name in the history of the African tournament, as he is the first coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different teams; after leading Zambia to the title in 2012, he returned to repeat the achievement with the Ivory Coast team in 2015. These accomplishments confirm his ability to build strong teams and achieve the desired goals.
The French coach recently ended his association with the Saudi national team, following a short stint overseeing the Tunisia national team during the 2026 World Cup finals. Now, Hervé Renard returns as coach of Ivory Coast, carrying with him the hopes of the Ivorian fans to achieve more titles and return to continental podiums.
