Stade Rennes have appointed former Senegal international Habib Beye as their new head coach.
In a statement on Rennais’ official website, Beye was appointed until the end of the season.
Beye replaced Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli who was only appointed in November 2024.
“Stade Rennes are delighted to announce the appointment of Habib Beye, 47, as coach of their first team,” the club stated.
“The Suresnes native had a professional football career spanning some fifteen years, playing for RC Strasbourg Alsace, Olympique de Marseille, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Doncaster Rovers.
“A Senegal international with 45 caps, his playing career ended in 2012. In 2021, Habib Beye turned to coaching, starting out as assistant coach at Red Star Football Club, while also taking his Brevet d’Entraîneur Professionnel de Football, a diploma he successfully obtained in 2022.
“Quickly promoted to head coach, he helped the club stay in the National Division, the third tier of French football, and develop the sporting project over the next two seasons.
“In 2024, as National champion, he took Red Star up to Ligue 2. He was named the league’s best coach.
“Habib Beye joins Stade Rennais F.C. until the end of the season, with predefined terms for a one-season extension.
“He will take charge of training on Friday, with his first task being to recreate a positive sporting dynamic. The club has every confidence in him, and is convinced that he will be able to exploit the full potential of his squad.”
Rennes, who have 17 points from 19 league games are in 16th position in the 18-team table.
Beye was part of the Senegal squad that finished runners-up at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.
He was also a member of late Bruno Metsu-led squad that got to the quarter-finals of the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup
