Didier Deschamps announced his decision to resign as head coach of the French national football team, effective after the 2026 World Cup. His 14-year tenure is marked by significant achievements, including a 2018 World Cup victory. Deschamps’ management of player dynamics earned him respect, though criticism arose after a disappointing European Championship. As he prepares to leave, Zinedine Zidane is seen as a likely successor, signaling a new era in French football.
Didier Deschamps Announces Departure from French National Team
In a candid and straightforward manner, Didier Deschamps revealed his decision to step down as head coach of the French national football team. During an interview with TF1, he stated, “It ends because it has to end at some point,” confirming that he will leave his post following the 2026 World Cup.
Deschamps emphasized the importance of knowing when to say ‘stop,’ expressing optimism about his future: “There is a life afterwards, I don’t know yet what it will look like, but it will certainly be very good.” His announcement caught both the First Lady, Brigitte Macron, and the audience off guard, highlighting the unexpected nature of his departure.
A Historic Coaching Tenure
Deschamps’ era as France’s national coach is significant; he is the longest-serving coach since World War II. Over his 14-year tenure from 2012 to 2026, he has achieved remarkable success, including leading France to a World Cup victory in 2018. His coaching career can be likened to that of Germany’s Joachim Löw, who coached from 2006 to 2021 and also secured a World Cup title in 2014. Both coaches experienced heartbreak in the European Championships, with Deschamps losing in the final in 2016 and Löw in 2008. Deschamps additionally guided France to the World Cup final in 2022 and won the Nations League in 2021, leaving the door open for more achievements during his farewell tour.
While Deschamps had a wealth of talent at his disposal, his predecessors struggled to build a cohesive team. His adept handling of sensitive player dynamics, especially with high-profile names like Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, and Kylian Mbappé, earned him respect from both the football association and fans alike. However, criticism grew following a disappointing semi-final exit at the last European Championship, where the team scored only four goals in six matches. Additionally, the resignation of key player Antoine Griezmann and the turmoil surrounding Mbappé’s absences may have contributed to Deschamps’ decision to not extend his contract beyond 2026.
The French sports newspaper “L’Équipe” praised Deschamps’ decision, referring to him as the “greatest coach in French history,” and expressed that the media will honor his legacy as he leads the team until 2026. Having previously captained France to their 1998 World Cup title, Deschamps has solidified his place in French football history.
Looking ahead, the anticipated successor to Deschamps is none other than Zinedine Zidane. The former star player and successful Real Madrid coach has been rumored to be waiting for this moment to step in. On his 50th birthday in June 2022, Zidane remarked, “My story with the Blues is not finished yet,” signaling his desire to eventually return to the national team as a coach. With Deschamps’ departure, the transition from “DD” to “ZZ” marks a new chapter for French football, where endings pave the way for new beginnings.