Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will step down as France’s national team manager after Euro 2024, ending a tenure that stretched from 2012 to 2024 and yielded two World Cup finals and one European Championship final.
Key Points
- ✅ Deschamps will leave after Euro 2024
- ⚡ Leaves with two World Cup finals and one Euros final
- 💡 France’s opening match vs Austria is June 17
The decision, disclosed by French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo on Tuesday, marks the closure of a chapter that saw Deschamps become France’s most successful manager in history. Diallo said the federation had accepted Deschamps’ decision, praising his leadership and consistency.
France open their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria in Munich on June 17, with Deschamps set to manage his final match in charge of Les Bleus on July 14 in Berlin.
Deschamps, 55, took charge of France in July 2012 following a disappointing Euro 2012 exit. His first major tournament as head coach was the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where France reached the quarter-finals. That was followed by a runners-up finish at Euro 2016 on home soil, a World Cup triumph in 2018, and a Nations League title in 2021.
His second World Cup final appearance came in 2022, though France fell to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Despite criticism for his defensive tactics, Deschamps maintained the backing of the federation, which extended his contract through to Euro 2024 in January 2023.
💡 Pro Tip
Deschamps’ departure means France must now navigate Euro 2024 without their longest-serving manager in history. Clubs and federation officials will be scouting for his replacement as early as the knockout stages.
The search for Deschamps’ successor is expected to prioritize candidates with elite-level tactical acumen and experience managing top European clubs. Among early names circulating are Didier’s former assistant, Sylvain Ripoll, and Ligue 1 title-winning coaches such as Christophe Galtier and Franck Haise.
| Candidate | Current Role | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Sylvain Ripoll | France U21 manager | Inside knowledge of Deschamps’ system |
| Christophe Galtier | Paris Saint-Germain manager | Tactical innovation |
| Franck Haise | Stade Rennais manager | Young, dynamic approach |
Deschamps’ final tournament will be seen as a chance for redemption after the heartbreak of Qatar 2022. His side, featuring a blend of experienced stars like Antoine Griezmann and emerging talents such as Eduardo Camavinga, will be under intense scrutiny in Germany.
📋 By The Numbers
- 10 — Major finals reached under Deschamps
- 2 — World Cup titles won as captain (1998) and coach (2018)
The French Football Federation has already begun internal discussions on succession planning, with a shortlist expected to be finalized by the end of the group stage. Deschamps, who will remain with the federation in an ambassadorial role, leaves behind a legacy that redefined modern French football.
- Deschamps’ final match as manager — July 14, 2024, Berlin (Euro 2024 final)
- Federation’s next steps — Announce interim coach by July 15, 2024
- Potential candidates’ timeline — Final decision expected by August 2024
The news has sent shockwaves through French football, with pundits and fans debating whether Deschamps’ legacy will be defined by his trophy haul or the defensive pragmatism that often drew criticism. One thing is certain: France enter Euro 2024 with a manager preparing to say goodbye.
- 📊 Deschamps is France’s second-most capped manager by games managed (159), behind only Aimé Jacquet
- 🔍 His 2018 World Cup win remains the only French triumph in the competition since 1998
- ⚠️ Critics argue his tactics stifled creativity in key matches, particularly in the 2022 final
