‘More important than World Cup’: Mbappe pays emotional tribute to Deschamps after death of coach’s mother

France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates with his coach Didier Deschamps after scoring a goal. (AP photo) France captain Kylian Mbappé paid an emotional tribute to head coach Didier Deschamps after the veteran manager returned to action following the death of his mother as Les Bleus beat Sweden to book their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Mbappé, who scored twice in France’s stunning 3-0 win over Sweden, dedicated his first goal to Deschamps by sprinting into the French dugout and embracing his coach, joining the rest of the team in a touching display of unity. The gesture came after Deschamps missed France’s final group stage game to be with his family following the death of his mother.

Mbappé: “There are more important things than the World Cup”

After the match, Mbappé explained why the celebration with Deschamps mattered more than any personal milestone.“There are things that are more important than the World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappé told reporters, as quoted by USA Today.The France captain stressed that the team wanted to stand firmly behind their coach during one of the most difficult moments of his life.“But like I said, it’s in the DNA of this group to stick together, to be really united. We’re all behind Coach no matter what, no matter what happens. We’re all behind him and we wanted him to know he’s not alone,” he said.France defender Malo Gusto echoed the captain’s sentiments, saying the players want to repay the faith Deschamps has always shown them.“I think it was important. I think Kylian also did it to support our coach. It was a difficult time for him. It was up to us to return the favor. I think we did really well tonight,” said Gusto.The emotional scenes capped another outstanding performance from Mbappé, who scored twice as France comfortably advanced to the last 16, where they will face Paraguay.

Deschamps moved the captain’s gesture

Deschamps admitted he was deeply touched by Mbappé’s celebration and praised the unity his players have shown throughout his absence.“Kylian’s gesture touched me deeply. He was exemplary from day one. The group was united and when I wasn’t there they did what was necessary. Team spirit doesn’t win games, but it can certainly lose them,” Deschamps said, according to Franceinfo.Looking ahead to France’s qualification, the coach of the World Cup winners said the team deserved to celebrate another successful step in their campaign.“The move has been made, it’s logical and natural, but you have to appreciate it when things are done well,” he said.Deschamps also reaffirmed France’s collective ambition to lift another World Cup trophy.“We are on a mission, so am I, with them,” he added.The win also added another milestone to Deschamps’ remarkable coaching career, making him the manager with the most knockout stage wins in FIFA World Cup history with nine.