In shocking news, Didier Deschamps announced that he will step down as France manager at the end of the 2026 World Cup.
France’s fans might be surprised to hear that legendary coach, Didier Deschamps, is planning to step down from his position as head coach. Deschamps plans to do this after the national team finish their 2026 World Cup campaign. The news was first reported by L’Equipe.
The news of Deschamps leaving the French national team came as a shock to the fans and the soccer community. Since 2012, Deschamps has been the head coach. By now, both Deschamps and France national team are almost interchangeable. To end his career with the French national team after 14 years is a shocking event to the fans.
The fans will surely miss Deschamps, especially with how he brought glory to the team on several occasions. In 2018, France won the World Cup under Deschamps’ guidance which made him a hero in fans’ eyes. Not to mention that Deschamps has also won the 2021 UEFA Nations League with them.
Along with wins and cups, Deschamps faced some disappointments. Les Bleus have reached the final in both the UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup only to end up losing. However, these losses don’t mean that Deschamps isn’t a legend.
It has been reported that Deschamps’ decision to step down as France’s head coach has been decided for a few months already. Some suggest that the manager wanted to start a new journey or even take a rest for a while. With Deschamps stepping down, Les Bleus will have enough time to start searching for his replacement.
In a conversation with French broadcaster TF1, Deschamps talked about his decision.
It’s going to be 2026. I’ve been here since 2012, I’m expected to be here until 2026… the next World Cup. It’ll stop there, because it has to stop at some point. It’s clear in my head.
I’ve done my time, with the same desire, the same passion to keep the French team at the highest level, but 2026 is very good.
You never want it to end when it’s a beautiful thing, but you have to know how to say stop. There’s a life afterwards, I don’t know what it will be, but it will be very good too.
Deschamps’ journey with the French national team didn’t end yet. The manager still has to prepare for upcoming matches. His next stop is when France face Croatia in the Nations League’s quarter finals next March. He also has to prepare for his last stop which will be the 2026 World Cup.
Since the news started circulating, several names came into the picture of who will replace Deschamps. One name that has been shining more brightly than the others is that of Zinedine Zidane. Zidane is another French legend who might be a great successor to Deschamps.
However, it is expected that some will doubt the move to sign Zidane. Since he left Real Madrid in 2021, the France international didn’t hold any managerial positions. His resume is still impressive despite this. With three UEFA Champions League titles and two La Ligas, Zidane might be the answer France is looking for.
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