Fourteen years of leadership, countless memories, and one final emotional chapter. Didier Deschamps has stepped down as manager of the French national team after guiding them through the 2026 World Cup, where they finished fourth following a dramatic small final against England. The match, decided by a thrilling 6-4 scoreline, saw France fight back from a daunting 4-0 deficit at halftime—a testament to the resilience that defined Deschamps’ tenure.

“Today has been an extraordinary day for me, filled with everything the French team has meant to me in my life. Every good thing must come to an end,” Deschamps confessed during a post-match interview. “The French team will be missed.” His departure marks the close of a 14-year chapter that included 185 matches, 120 victories, 35 draws, and 30 defeats. Among his achievements are a World Cup title and two heartbreaking final losses—at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I loved every minute of it”

Even in his farewell, Deschamps maintained his unwavering standards. “The first half was catastrophic,” he admitted. “But there was pride—we came close to turning a dire situation around. These players are exceptional, young, and full of potential. They have what it takes to stay at the top of world football.”

Despite the disappointment of falling short in the semifinals, Deschamps took time to praise his squad, visibly moved. “I thanked them because there’s this bitter taste of disappointment, but also a sense of pride. That fire under the French jersey must never fade—nothing comes close to it. I thanked them personally, too, because I absolutely loved every moment, especially the interactions with these young talents. The future looks bright for them.”

He leaves behind a team still in its prime, with most of its core players set to remain competitive for the next World Cup in four years. “The results of recent years have created expectations, but it’s not pressure,” he reflected on his successor’s challenges. “The quality is there, but other ingredients are needed. I’m incredibly proud of them, of what we achieved together—a united group. I’m proud of my staff, and yes, a little proud of myself. This is the end for me, at least with the French team. I’m young, but first, I need to rest and spend time with my family. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”