Fourteen years of leadership and a match filled with highs—perhaps too many for his liking. Didier Deschamps concluded his tenure as head coach of France’s national football team following the World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, where the Bleus fell to England after a thrilling 4-6 defeat. The French side showed remarkable resilience after trailing 4-0 at halftime.

“It’s been a truly special day for me, one that encapsulates everything the French national team has meant in my life—though all good things must come to an end,” Deschamps confessed to reporters. “I will miss this team.”

His departure follows a career marked by 120 wins, 35 draws, and 30 losses, including a World Cup victory and two heartbreaking finals lost—the Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I loved every moment”

Even in his farewell address, Deschamps maintained his high standards when assessing his team’s performance. “The first half was disastrous,” he admitted candidly. “But credit to the players—they showed pride and nearly turned a catastrophic situation around. These are top-tier athletes, young and full of potential, capable of competing at the highest level.”

Despite the loss, the outgoing coach publicly praised his players, his voice heavy with emotion: “I thanked them for the disappointment in the semifinals, but also for their pride in fighting back. They must carry that fire under the French jersey—nothing compares to it. I also thanked them on a personal level because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these weeks, the camaraderie with players of all ages. The future looks bright for them.”

He leaves behind a young squad, many of whom will still be in their prime by the next World Cup in four years. “The results of these years have built expectations, but it’s not pressure,” the 1998 World Cup winner remarked about his successor. “The talent is there, but many other factors come into play. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together—a united team. I’m proud of my staff, and a little proud of myself too. It’s over for me, at least as far as the French team is concerned. I may be young at heart, but first, I need to rest and enjoy time with my loved ones. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”