January 8 – France head coach Didier Deschamps is to step down from the role when his current contract ends after the 2026 World Cup.
The 56-year-old is France’s longest-serving coach, having been in charge since 2012. He led Les Bleus to victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as reaching the final of the 2022 tournament in Qatar and Euro 2016 on home soil where they were beaten by Portugal.
“In 2026 it will be over. In my head it’s very clear,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1. “I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level.
“One has to be able to say stop, there’s a life after this. The most important is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years.”
Deschamps is only the third person after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup as both player and manager, having captained his country to glory in 1998. He succeeded Laurent Blanc as coach after France’s quarter-final exit at Euro 2012.
Before taking charge of France Deschamps had spells in charge of Monaco, Juventus and Marseille, winning at least one trophy with each.
Prior to that he had enjoyed a stellar playing career at domestic and international level winning 14 major honours, including Champions League titles with Marseille and Juventus, and the FA Cup with Chelsea.
The defensive midfielder in all earned 103 caps for France, captaining the national team to victory not only at the 1998 World Cup but also Euro 2000.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1736405458labto1736405458ofdlr1736405458owedi1736405458sni@w1736405458ahsra1736405458w.wer1736405458dna1736405458