Paris, Jan 8, 2025: France’s World Cup-winning manager Didier Deschamps has announced that he will step down after next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 56-year-old, France’s longest-serving coach, has been at the helm since 2012, according to the BBC. Under his leadership, Les Bleus clinched the 2018 World Cup in Russia, reached the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, and advanced to the final of Euro 2016 on home soil. “In 2026, my journey will come to an end. It’s a decision I’m clear about,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1. “I’ve dedicated my time with passion and determination to keep France at the pinnacle of world football. But there comes a time to say stop. Life goes on, and the priority is for France to remain at the top, as they have been for many years.”
France is yet to begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which hinges on the outcome of their Nations League quarter-final clash against Croatia in March.
Deschamps is one of only three individuals, alongside Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer, to have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager. He captained France to victory in 1998 and later guided them as a coach after taking over from Laurent Blanc following France’s Euro 2012 quarter-final exit. During his tenure, Deschamps steered Les Bleus to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Germany. In 2016, he led France to the final of the European Championship on home turf, only to lose to Portugal in extra time.
His defining moment came in 2018 when France claimed their second World Cup title with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Moscow. Deschamps also added the Nations League title to his list of achievements in 2021. In 2022, he guided France to another World Cup final, but Argentina triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Before managing the national team, Deschamps coached clubs like Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille, securing at least one trophy with each. As a player, he enjoyed an illustrious career, winning 14 major titles, including Champions League trophies with Marseille and Juventus, as well as the FA Cup with Chelsea. On the international stage, the defensive midfielder earned 103 caps for France, leading the team to their historic World Cup victory in 1998 and a Euro 2000 triumph.
No Comments: