Kylian Mbappe Honors Didier Deschamps Ahead of Final Match
A Heartfelt Farewell from Mbappe
Miami [USA], July 19: Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national team, expressed deep gratitude towards Didier Deschamps as they prepared for the third-place match against England in the FIFA World Cup 2026. This match marks the end of Deschamps' tenure as coach, and Mbappe lamented, "We should have given you a better farewell, but we fell short."
France's journey to a third consecutive World Cup final was halted by a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-finals.
In a touching message shared on X, Mbappe acknowledged Deschamps' 14 years of service as the national coach, expressing disappointment that they could not provide him with a fitting send-off. He commended Deschamps for his pivotal role in revitalizing the team and conveyed his appreciation for the chance to play under his guidance, wishing him well in his future endeavors.
"Today is your last performance. You have given us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed. Articulating what you have contributed over these 14 years is challenging, given your significant role in the team's resurgence. Many have not fully recognized your greatness, but time and history will ensure that they do," he stated.
Aujourd’hui est ta dernière danse.
Toi qui nous as tant donné.
Nous aurions dû t’offrir une meilleure fin, mais nous avons échoué.
Mettre des mots sur ce que tu as apporté pendant 14 ans est très difficile, tant tu as été un acteur majeur du renouveau de cette équipe. Les gens… pic.twitter.com/uGQIWqodgv
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 18, 2026
"Thank you for allowing me to represent my country on such a grand stage for many years. I feel honored to have stood alongside one of our nation's greatest legends, and I cherish the wonderful memories of our shared experiences and achievements. I wish you all the best in your new journey, and I am grateful for everything you have contributed to this jersey that holds so much significance for us," Mbappe concluded.
Deschamps, who began his coaching role in 2012, 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 to Spain.