PARIS, May 29, (V7N) – After 14 years at the helm, Didier Deschamps is preparing to step down as coach of France following the upcoming World Cup in North America, hoping to end his tenure on a high.
Appointed in 2012 when France were struggling after the 2010 World Cup debacle, Deschamps rebuilt Les Bleus into one of the most feared teams in international football. Under his leadership, France won the 2018 World Cup, reached the Euro 2016 final, and narrowly lost the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Now 57, Deschamps admitted: “It is a funny feeling… What has happened is in the past, and has been done quite well. Now all my energy is focused on this World Cup.”
France, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat only achieved previously by West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002). Victory at the MetLife Stadium on July 19 would make Deschamps only the second coach in history to win two World Cups, after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s.
His successor is widely expected to be former teammate Zinedine Zidane, who will inherit a squad featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé, reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.
Deschamps’ legacy is remarkable: as a player, he captained France to World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 glory, won the 1993 Champions League with Marseille, and later lifted titles with Juventus. As a coach, he guided Monaco to the 2004 Champions League final and won Ligue 1 with Marseille in 2010 before transforming France into a consistent global powerhouse.
Criticized at times for prioritizing efficiency over flair – notably at Euro 2024, where France reached the semi-finals with just four goals – Deschamps has nonetheless delivered results. His pragmatic style has kept France competitive across seven major tournaments, including the UEFA Nations League 2021 victory.
With one title, two final defeats, and a semi-final already under his belt, Deschamps now seeks to cement his place among the greatest managers in football history.
