Sports • Football

Hervé Renard

Hervé Renard is a French football manager and former defender, known for coaching national teams in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hervé Renard is a French football manager and former defender, known for coaching national teams in Africa, Asia, and Europe. He is the only coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, Zambia and Ivory Coast. He later led Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Early life and playing career

Renard was born on 30 September 1968 in Aix-les-Bains, France. He played as a central defender during a long playing career in French football before moving into coaching.

Coaching career

Renard began coaching in club football and later moved into international management. His appointments have included Zambia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, France Women, and Tunisia.

Major achievements

Renard is best known for winning the Africa Cup of Nations twice with different national teams. He also guided Saudi Arabia to a notable 2–1 victory over Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup involvement

Renard has been involved in multiple World Cup campaigns, including Morocco in 2018, Saudi Arabia in 2022, and France Women in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Tunisia appointment

In 2026, Renard was appointed head coach of Tunisia, but the stint ended after a few weeks.

Key facts

Hervé Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations with two different national teams.
He led Saudi Arabia to a famous victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
He has coached national teams in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Renard played as a defender in French football before turning to coaching.
His international coaching career includes Zambia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, France Women, and Tunisia.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Renard for his international coaching profile and his role in major World Cup tournaments, especially Saudi Arabia’s 2022 upset over Argentina, one of the most discussed results of that event.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Hervé Renard?

He is a French football manager and former defender known for leading several national teams and winning the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries.

What is Hervé Renard best known for?

He is best known for winning AFCON with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015, and for Saudi Arabia’s upset win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

What teams has Hervé Renard coached?

His international coaching career has included Zambia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, France Women, and Tunisia.

Did Hervé Renard play professional football?

Yes. He played as a defender in France before becoming a coach.

Has Hervé Renard coached at the FIFA World Cup?

Yes. He has coached Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and France Women in World Cup contexts.

References

Goal — https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/herve-renard-afcon-winning-coach-led-saudi-arabia-victory-messi-argentina/blt09738a0d6602dd82
Supports: AFCON wins, Saudi Arabia role, 2022 World Cup upset over Argentina, coaching background
BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgjpk00l7xo
Supports: AFCON titles with Zambia and Ivory Coast, coaching history, Tunisia appointment context
Morocco World News — https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/06/79319/herve-renard-defender-coach-and-can-veteran/
Supports: Birthplace, birth date, playing career, Morocco coaching role
Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/herve-renard/profil/trainer/6480
Supports: Full name, birth date, birthplace, nationality
ESPN — https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49146731/tunisia-head-coach-herve-renard-deal-ends-just-two-fifa-world-cup-matches
Supports: Tunisia contract limited to World Cup mission and short tenure
The Athletic — https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7396981/2026/07/05/herve-renard-tunisia-manager-world-cup/
Supports: Tunisia exit after brief appointment