Didier Deschamps Calls France Career 'Greatest Chapter' Ahead of Emotional Farewell Match

France head coach Didier Deschamps has reflected on his remarkable 25-year association with Les Bleus, describing the French national team as the greatest part of his professional career ahead of his final match in charge.

The 57-year-old will lead France one last time when they face England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff in Miami, bringing an end to an extraordinary 15-year tenure as head coach.

Deschamps had previously announced that he would step down after the World Cup, with former France captain Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed him.

'The Greatest Thing in My Professional Career'

Speaking before his farewell, Deschamps said representing France as both a player and a coach has been the defining experience of his football journey.

The World Cup-winning coach described his 25 years with the national team as a significant part of his life, filled with unforgettable highs, difficult moments and lifelong memories.

While acknowledging that leaving the French team will be emotional, Deschamps said he remains optimistic about the future and believes new opportunities await him after international football.

A Historic Legacy with Les Bleus

Didier Deschamps is regarded as one of the most successful figures in French football history.

As captain, he led France to their first-ever FIFA World Cup title in 1998 before returning as national team coach in 2012.

During his managerial tenure, Deschamps guided France to:

• 2018 FIFA World Cup title in Russia.
• 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
• UEFA Nations League triumph in 2021.
• UEFA Euro 2016 final on home soil.

His leadership established France as one of the most consistent and successful national teams in world football over the past decade.

One Final Match Against England

Although Deschamps had hoped to finish his career in the World Cup final, France's semi-final defeat to Spain means his final game will be the third-place playoff against England.

Despite the disappointment, the veteran coach believes the fixture still carries importance.

He has previously stated that finishing third is a better outcome than ending the tournament in fourth place and stressed that the team owes one final committed performance to its supporters.

An Era Comes to an End

Victory over England would provide a fitting conclusion to one of the most decorated coaching careers in international football.

Across more than two decades with the French national team—as both captain and manager—Didier Deschamps has helped shape one of the country's most successful footballing eras.

His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in French football history.

Key Highlights

• Didier Deschamps will manage France for the final time against England in the World Cup third-place playoff.
• The French coach described Les Bleus as the greatest chapter of his professional career.
• Deschamps spent 25 years with the French national team as both captain and coach.
• He guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2021 UEFA Nations League, and the 2022 World Cup final.
• Former France captain Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to replace him.

FAQs

When will Didier Deschamps coach France for the last time?

Deschamps will take charge of France for the final time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England.

Why is Didier Deschamps leaving France?

Deschamps had already announced that he would step down as France head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What are Didier Deschamps' biggest achievements as France coach?

He led France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 UEFA Nations League, the 2022 World Cup final, and the Euro 2016 final.

Who is expected to replace Didier Deschamps?

Former France midfielder and captain Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to become the next France head coach.

How long was Didier Deschamps associated with the French national team?

Deschamps spent 25 years with the French national team as both a player and a coach.