After 14 years of dedicated service, Didier Deschamps stepped down from his role as coach of the France national football team following their final match at the 2026 World Cup. The small final against England ended in a thrilling 4-6 defeat, with the Bleus staging an impressive comeback after trailing 4-0 at halftime.

“This has been an incredibly special day for me, given all that the French team has meant in my life. All good things must come to an end,” Deschamps shared during his post-match interview. “The French team will be sorely missed.” His departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter, with a career record of 120 wins, 35 draws, and 30 losses, including a World Cup victory and two final losses at Euro 2016 and World Cup 2022.

“I enjoyed every moment”

Even in his farewell address, Deschamps maintained his high standards in evaluating the team’s performance. “The first half was disastrous,” he admitted. “But the players showed immense pride in the second half, nearly overturning an impossible situation. These are world-class athletes, young and full of potential. They have what it takes to remain at the top of global football.”

Despite the disappointment of the semifinal exit, Deschamps publicly praised his players, visibly moved. “I thanked them because there was disappointment after the semifinal, but they also showed incredible pride. It’s essential they carry this passion under the France jersey—nothing comes before it. I thanked them as people too, because I thoroughly enjoyed these weeks, especially the exchanges with both young and experienced players. The future looks bright for them.”

He leaves behind a young squad, many of whom will still be in their prime for the next World Cup in four years. “The results over these years have created expectations, but it’s not pressure,” he reflected on his successor’s challenge. “These players have quality, though many other factors come into play. I’m incredibly proud of them, of everything they’ve achieved together. There’s a strong team spirit. I’m proud of my staff and, in a small way, of myself. It’s over for me, at least as far as the French team is concerned. I’m still young, but first, I’ll take time to enjoy my family and rest. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”