The biggest chapter of my career: Deschamps reflects before saying goodbye to France
Didier Deschamps admitted leaving the France national team will be emotional and described his 25-year association with Les Bleus as the biggest chapter of his professional career ahead of his final game in charge.
Deschamps will take charge of France for the final time when Les Bleus take on England in Miami on Saturday for third place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, ending his 15-year tenure as head coach. The 57-year-old has already confirmed he will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him.
Before saying goodbye, Deschamps reflected on his journey serving France as both captain and coach and insisted the memories he made with the national team will stay with him forever.
“I know I will miss the French national team, but I had the privilege of spending 15 years at the highest level in this jersey, experiencing unforgettable highs and difficult times. Now the curtain is coming down. Life goes on,” said Deschamps.
“I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m an optimistic person by nature. I know good things are ahead.”
‘THE BIGGEST THING’
Deschamps, who captained France to the 1998 World Cup before returning as a coach in 2012, said nothing in his career compares to what he experienced with the national team.
“The French national team, with everything it represents, is the biggest thing that has happened to me in my professional career. It took 25 years of my life. Twenty-five years is a significant part of everyone’s life and it leaves a lasting mark,” he said.
“It leaves an even deeper mark because of the unforgettable memories. But I’ve always believed that what’s most important is what lies ahead.”
During his time in charge, Deschamps transformed France into one of the most consistent forces in international football. He led Les Bleus to 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia title, four years later he reached another World Cup final in Qatar and lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2021.
His reign also brought the 2016 European Championship final on home soil, with France regularly challenging for top honors throughout his tenure.
ONE LAST MATCH
The clash with England may not have been the final Deschamps imagined France lost to Spain in the semi-finals, but he insisted the third-place play-off still had meaning.
Earlier this week, the France coach said third place was better than finishing fourth, stressing that his players owe one final performance to the fans who have supported them throughout the World Cup.
Victory over England would provide a fitting end to one of the most decorated managerial spells in international football, closing the book on a 25-year journey that saw Deschamps lift the World Cup as both player and coach before retiring as one of French football’s greatest figures.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
18 Jul 2026 05:15 IST