Herve Renard has been appointed as the new head coach of the Cote d'Ivoire national team, marking a sensational return to the Elephants 11 years after his first spell.
The 57-year-old Frenchman replaces Emerse Fae, whose contract expired on 31 July 2026 and was not renewed.
Renard is no stranger to Ivorian football. His first stint with the Elephants was crowned with an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015, cementing his legendary status in the country.
The French tactician also holds the distinction of being the first coach in history to win the AFCON with two different countries, having previously lifted the trophy with Zambia in 2012.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Ivorian football. Renard was available after a short interim spell in charge of Tunisia during the 2026 World Cup, following his departure from the Saudi Arabia job. According to multiple French and African outlets, Renard chose to return to Côte d'Ivoire rather than pursue other national-team options.
Emerse Fae's departure, while sudden, comes after a period of significant achievement. The 42-year-old took over in January 2024 under dramatic circumstances, stepping in as interim coach after Jean-Louis Gasset's dismissal during the AFCON hosted by Côte d'Ivoire. He orchestrated a stunning turnaround, leading the Elephants to their third continental title.
Under Faé, Côte d'Ivoire also qualified for the 2026 World Cup and, for the first time in their history, advanced past the group stage of the tournament before being eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16. Despite these accomplishments, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) decided not to renew his contract.
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