It was an arrival that transformed the France group. While the problems had been accumulating for several years with Corinne Deacon, the French Football Federation took the decision to replace her just a few weeks before the Women’s World Cup. It was finally Hervé Renard, who had no experience in women’s football so far, who was chosen to replace her. A face well known to football fans, especially in Africa, where he has trained several selections, from Morocco to Ghana via Zambia.
If he is known to be a man with a fist and who never minces his words, Hervé Renard is rather discreet about his family life. However, he lives a beautiful love story with Viviane Dièye, a superb brunette from Senegal. A relationship that has lasted for several years now, but before being with the 54-year-old coach, the latter had another long relationship with another well-known figure in French football. Indeed, she shared the life of Bruno Metsu, French footballer, then coach of different nations. Like Hervé Renard, the native of Coudekerque-Branche (North) has been at the head of several African selections, including Guinea and Senegal. Unfortunately, the latter meets a tragic fate.
A tragic death at only 59 years old
Suffering from a serious illness, the one that Africans used to call the “white wizard”, for his good results, had to end his coaching career earlier than expected. Affected by cancer, he resigned while coaching the Emirati team of Al Wasl Football Club in October 2012. A year later, on October 15, 2013, he died in his hometown from his illness at only 59 years. Viviane Dièye accompanied him to the end and she therefore became his widow upon his death.
A very sad story for the Senegalese, but she had the good fortune to cross paths with Hervé Renard and today, the two lovebirds seem happier than ever.
