Fourteen years of leadership, a rollercoaster of emotions, and one final match that summed up his tenure perfectly. On July 18, 2026, Didier Deschamps concluded his historic stint as France’s national team manager in Miami, where his side suffered a dramatic 4-6 defeat to England in the World Cup third-place playoff.

“Today was an incredibly special day for me, filled with memories of everything the French team has meant to me. Though all good things must come to an end, Deschamps admitted to reporters. I will miss this team dearly.” His departure marks the close of a chapter that saw him record 120 wins, 35 draws, and 30 losses, along with a World Cup triumph and two near-misses in major finals at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I loved every minute of it”

Even in his farewell press conference, Deschamps didn’t shy away from his trademark honesty. “The first half was catastrophic,” he admitted. “But credit to the players—they showed real pride in fighting back from an impossible position. These young athletes are world-class and have what it takes to stay at the top.”

Despite the disappointment of falling short in the semifinals, the outgoing manager praised his squad with visible emotion. “I thanked them for their resilience after the semifinal loss, but also for the pride they showed in turning the tide. The flame of the French jersey burns brighter than anything else. I thanked them not just as players, but as people. I’ve enjoyed every moment, especially the camaraderie with both veterans and rising stars. The future looks incredibly bright for them.”

He leaves behind a young, talented squad whose core will still be in their prime for the next World Cup in four years. “The expectations are high, but they’re not pressure,” he reflected on the future of French football. “The quality is there, but success requires more than talent. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together—a united group. I’m proud of my staff, and a little proud of myself. It’s over for me with the French team, at least for now. I’m still young, but I need time with my family and to recharge. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”