Mbappe pays tribute to 'legend' Deschamps ahead of coach's final dance at World Cup

France captain Kylian Mbappe has delivered an emotional farewell to departing coach Didier Deschamps, lamenting that the team could not offer him a more fitting conclusion to his 14-year tenure.

“

Today is your last dance. You, who have given us so much. We should have given you a better ending, but we failed.

Ahead of France's final match under Deschamps, Mbappe shared a heartfelt message on social media. "Today is your last dance. You, who have given us so much. We should have given you a better ending, but we failed," the star forward wrote.

Deschamps, who took charge in 2012, led France to the 2018 World Cup title and another final in 2022. Their 2026 campaign concluded with a semi-final defeat to Spain.

“

Putting into words what you have brought over 14 years is very difficult, because you have been such a major figure in the rebirth of this team.

Mbappe, France's all-time leading scorer, praised Deschamps's crucial role in the team's rebirth. "People have not always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that," he stated.

“

People have not always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that.

The captain also expressed personal gratitude, calling himself privileged to have played alongside Deschamps, who captained France to their 1998 World Cup victory. "I will only keep great memories of everything we experienced and achieved together. I wish you all the best in your new adventure," Mbappe concluded.

“

I feel privileged to have been alongside one of the greatest legends of our country.