Deschamps says he leaves France team for its own good amid 'unbearable' environment

Didier Deschamps has stepped down as the coach of the French national football team after a 14-year tenure, citing an "unbearable environment" as the reason for his departure. The announcement came after France's final match of the 2026 World Cup, a 4-6 loss to England in the third-place playoff.

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I forbid myself from being able to speak about the French team from this evening.

Deschamps, who led the team for 14 years, stated that his decision was not for personal reasons but for the "good of the French team." He explained that the atmosphere surrounding him had become "so unbearable" that the team did not deserve it. He also pledged to observe a "duty of reserve" moving forward, promising to be a "silent supporter."

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I mastered this departure, I decided it had to stop.

He revealed that he had decided to step down in January 2025, prior to the team's qualification for the North American World Cup. Deschamps emphasized that he had control over his departure and could have made the decision earlier, but he chose not to out of respect for the French team. He believes his departure made things "much better for the French team."

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And if I decided, it is not for me, I tell you sincerely, it is for the good of the French team.

The former coach reflected on his time with the team, stating, "There is nothing above this jersey. The French team is above all. It does not belong to me. I was in its service on a mission for 14 years." He acknowledged that he might "struggle in professional life" after his long association with the team, hinting at a "blues of the blue jersey."

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I am going to tell you in all honesty, it is not for me that I made this decision. Because there was an environment that was so unbearable regarding me, the French team does not deserve that.