FIFA World Cup 2026: President Macron pays tribute to outgoing France coach Deschamps, thanks him for "legendary victories"
Paris, July 19
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the outgoing coach of the national football team, Didier Deschamps, thanking him for "legendary victories."
France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final ended with a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 semi-finals, making the third-place playoff against England the final match of Didier Deschamps' 14-year tenure as France head coach.
In a post on X, Macron thanked Deschamps for his 14 years in charge of France, praising him for delivering legendary victories, unforgettable moments and leading a generation that made the nation proud.
"A page in the history of French football turns tonight. Thank you, Didier Deschamps, for the legendary victories, the intense emotions, for carrying our Bleus for years and making France thrill. Fourteen years: the Deschamps generation," the French president said.
Deschamps, who took charge of France in 2012, guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and another final in 2022 before their 2026 campaign ended with a semi-final loss to Spain.
Earlier, France captain Kylian Mbappe also paid a heartfelt tribute to Deschamps ahead of the France vs England FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match on Saturday (local time).
In an emotional post on X, Mbappe thanked Didier Deschamps for his 14 years as France coach, saying the players were disappointed they could not give him a better farewell. He praised Deschamps for playing a key role in reviving the national team, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent France under his leadership, and wished him success in the next chapter of his career.
"Today is your last dance. You who gave us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed. Putting words to what you brought over 14 years is very difficult, so major an actor were you in the revival of this team. People haven't always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Deschamps transformed French football after the 2010 disaster. Mbappe's tribute was spot-on - the man deserves more recognition. It's like a Bollywood movie script, but real.
As an Indian who follows European football closely, I think Deschamps was sometimes too defensive. But you can't argue with results. 2018 World Cup, Nations League, World Cup final 2022... legends are defined by trophies. Time will be kind to him.
The France vs England third-place match is going to be emotional. It's rare to see a coach get such a send-off from both the president and the captain. Reminds me of how we celebrate Sachin Tendulkar - pure respect for a great servant of the game. 🇫🇷⚽
Deschamps deserves a statue outside Stade de France. From winning as captain to coaching a World Cup win - that's a unique double. Macron's tribute was classy, but the real story is how Deschamps built a team that consistently delivered. Hats off!
Yaar, I remember watching the 2018 final in a cafe in Bangalore. Deschamps' France played with such unity. It's sad they couldn't give him a winning farewell, but third place is still respectable. The man built a culture, not just a team. Salute! 🙌
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.