Emmanuel Macron Honors Didier Deschamps After His Tenure as France Coach

French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to Didier Deschamps, the outgoing coach of the national football team, following a 14-year tenure marked by legendary victories. As France's hopes for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final ended with a semi-final loss to Spain, both Macron and captain Kylian Mbappe expressed their gratitude for Deschamps' contributions. Macron highlighted the emotional moments and achievements under Deschamps' leadership, while Mbappe reflected on the coach's pivotal role in revitalizing the team. This farewell marks a significant chapter in French football history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 19, 2026, 04:50 IST

Macron's Tribute to Deschamps

On July 19, in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his gratitude to Didier Deschamps, the departing coach of the national football team, for his remarkable achievements during his tenure.

France's journey towards a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final came to an end with a 2-0 defeat against Spain in the semi-finals, marking the final match of Deschamps' 14-year coaching career as he prepares for the third-place playoff against England.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, Macron acknowledged Deschamps' significant contributions over the years, highlighting the legendary victories and unforgettable moments that have made the nation proud.

He stated, "A chapter in the history of French football closes tonight. Thank you, Didier Deschamps, for the legendary victories, the intense emotions, and for leading our Bleus for years, bringing excitement to France. Fourteen years: the Deschamps generation."

Deschamps' Legacy

Une page de l’histoire du football français se tourne ce soir. Merci Didier Deschamps pour les victoires légendaires, les émotions fortes, pour avoir porté durant des années nos Bleus et fait vibrer la France. Quatorze années : la génération Deschamps. pic.twitter.com/9IiJIa5khU

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 18, 2026

Taking the helm in 2012, Deschamps led the French team to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the finals again in 2022, before their 2026 campaign concluded with a semi-final defeat to Spain.

Kylian Mbappe, the captain of France, also paid tribute to Deschamps prior to the third-place match against England, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for the coach's 14 years of service.

In an emotional message on X, Mbappe conveyed the players' disappointment at not being able to provide a fitting farewell, praising Deschamps for his pivotal role in revitalizing the national team and wishing him success in his future endeavors.

"Today is your last dance. You who gave us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed. Putting words to what you brought over 14 years is very difficult, so major an actor were you in the revival of this team. People haven’t always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that," he remarked.