Didier Deschamps has shaped French football for over two decades, first as captain and now as manager.
As he prepares to step down after the 2026 World Cup, he remains focused on the present.
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“The most important thing is today and tomorrow, and tomorrow is the World Cup,” Deschamps said. “After that, everyone will have their own interpretation.”
A Legacy of Finals
Deschamps led France to three major finals in 14 years, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League.
He also reached the 2022 final, losing to Argentina.
“We’re among the favourites,” he said. “It isn’t a taboo word for me.
If we have this status today, it’s because of everything we have done.”
Despite domestic criticism over playing style, Deschamps remains unfazed.
“Internationally, that’s one thing, but in France, if we’ve been categorised as defensive, it didn’t prevent us from getting results.”
Adapting to a New Generation
With senior players like Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud retiring after 2022, Deschamps has rebuilt the squad around Kylian Mbappe.
“The baton has been passed,” he said. “Kylian, today, who is our captain, before being captain, he listened, he looked.
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He takes on this leadership outside, on the pitch as well.”
Mbappe, now playing centrally for Real Madrid, needs one goal to equal Giroud’s all-time French scoring record of 57.
Deschamps dismissed doubts about his position: “I must be stupid, and there must have been a lot of stupid people who he has had as coaches to put him in the middle.”
Michael Olise has emerged as a key player. “He’s more discreet, a little shy, but when he’s on the pitch, it’s wonderful,” Deschamps said.
“Today, he’s one of the best players at the World Cup.”
Managing a deep attacking pool—including Mbappe, Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and others—requires careful handling. “It’s about managing the frustration of those who won’t start,” Deschamps said.
“Each player thinks he’s better than the one who plays in his place.”
Deschamps, 58, will leave after the tournament. He has received offers but will decide later.
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“I won’t make any decision until after the World Cup,” he said.
