Mbappé Honors Deschamps After France’s World Cup Exit

Tribute from a Former Star

Kylian Mbappé posted a heartfelt note to Didier Deschamps after France’s third‑place match, saying the former coach “deserved a better ending.” He praised Deschamps for “major role in the rebuilding of this team” and noted that time and history would eventually recognize his greatness. Mbappé also thanked Deschamps for being his only senior‑team mentor, recalling the World Cup triumph of 2018 and the runner‑up finish four years later. The tribute included a photo of the two celebrating together and a crown emoji.

Deschamps’ Final Mission

Saturday, July 18 marked Deschamps’ farewell as France faced England in the bronze‑medal game, a disappointing close to a tournament where the French were once favorites. Deschamps announced before the World Cup that he would step down, ending a 14‑year tenure that produced the 2018 World Cup title and a 2022 runner‑up finish. He also guided France to a European Championship final in 2016, before Mbappé joined the senior side. The coach has not revealed his next steps, but Zinedine Zidane, his former teammate, is widely expected to replace him.

Looking Ahead for the French Squad

Mbappé’s words highlight a milestone in French football, where a generation of players grew up under Deschamps’ leadership. The loss to Spain in the semi‑finals, a 2‑0 defeat captured in a series of match photos, left France to fight for third place. As Deschamps steps aside, the team will need to navigate a transition while retaining the foundation built during his long spell. The upcoming third‑place match against England will serve as both a farewell and a statement of intent for the next cycle.