Emmanuel Macron and Kylian Mbappe Honor Didier Deschamps After World Cup Exit
Tribute to Didier Deschamps
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his gratitude to Didier Deschamps, the departing coach of the national football team, for his remarkable achievements.
France's journey towards a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final concluded with a 2-0 loss to Spain in the semi-finals, marking the upcoming third-place playoff against England as Deschamps' final match after 14 years at the helm.
Macron's Acknowledgment
In a message shared on X, Macron praised Deschamps for his extensive tenure, highlighting the legendary victories and unforgettable moments he provided, which instilled pride in the nation. He stated, "A chapter in the history of French football closes tonight. Thank you, Didier Deschamps, for the legendary victories, the intense emotions, for carrying our Bleus for years and making France proud. Fourteen years: the Deschamps generation."
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
Deschamps' Legacy
Taking charge in 2012, Deschamps led France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the finals again in 2022, before their 2026 campaign ended with a semi-final defeat.
Kylian Mbappe's Heartfelt Message
Prior to the third-place match against England, France's captain Kylian Mbappe also shared a touching tribute to Deschamps.
In an emotional post on X, he expressed disappointment that the team could not provide a better farewell for their coach. Mbappe acknowledged Deschamps' pivotal role in revitalizing the national team, thanked him for the chance to represent France under his guidance, and wished him well in his future endeavors. He remarked, "Today is your last dance. You who gave us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed. Articulating what you contributed over 14 years is challenging, as you were a major figure in the revival of this team. People haven't always recognized your greatness, but time and history will ensure that they do."