Didier Deschamps has offered his clearest explanation yet for leaving the France national team, admitting that the environment surrounding him had become increasingly difficult to endure.
The 57-year-old announced in January 2025 that he would step down after the 2026 World Cup rather than sign another contract with the French Football Federation.
His reign ended with a chaotic 6–4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off in Miami.
Deschamps reveals breaking point
According to Jérémy Descours and the M6 editorial team in a transcript published by RTL, Deschamps said his decision had been made to protect the national team.
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“I decided that it had to stop. And if I made that decision, it wasn’t for me, I’m telling you sincerely, it was for the good of the France team,” he said during an interview with French television channel M6.
“Perhaps I hadn’t said it before, but I’m telling you now in complete honesty. I didn’t make this decision for myself. The environment surrounding me had become so suffocating, and the France team doesn’t deserve that.”
Deschamps did not describe the dressing room itself as “toxic”, nor did he directly blame his players or coaching staff. His comments referred more broadly to the environment surrounding him, which could include media scrutiny, public criticism and the pressure attached to his position.
Describing the internal atmosphere around the squad as “very toxic” therefore goes further than his actual words.
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Nightmare farewell against England
France endured a disastrous start to Deschamps’ final match, falling 4–0 behind before half-time against England.
Les Bleus produced a dramatic response after the break, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice as they reduced the deficit to 4–3. England eventually held on to win 6–4 and secure the bronze medal.
The match completed a remarkable 14-year spell in which Deschamps led France to the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League title and the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
The French Football Federation’s official tribute credits him with 120 victories across 185 matches, confirming his place as the country’s longest-serving and most successful national team manager.
“The France team is above everything,” Deschamps said after his final match. “It doesn’t belong to me. I served it on a mission for 14 years. There is nothing above this shirt.”
Zidane reportedly signs deal
Zinedine Zidane is expected to succeed his former international teammate, although the appointment has not yet been announced by the French Football Federation.
According to a DPA report published by Welt, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Zidane has signed a contract running until the middle of 2030.
Until the federation confirms the agreement, Zidane should be described as the reported successor rather than the officially appointed France manager.
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Deschamps, meanwhile, has not announced his retirement from coaching. He said he intends to remain in football but will first take time to recover and focus on his family after the most demanding chapter of his career.
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