Deschamps belongs to a select trio to have won the World Cup both on the field and from the dugout, alongside Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and West Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer.
His 14-year spell in charge is a rarity in modern football.
As France coach, he triumphed in 20 of 26 World Cup matches, suffering only three defeats — including this loss to Spain in Texas.
Across his time as player and manager, he featured in over half of France’s World Cup victories and in both of their title-winning campaigns.
Before now, only three nations had reached at least the quarter-finals in four consecutive World Cups.
They fell to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 final, narrowly missing out on becoming just the third team to retain the trophy.
Given joint top scorer Kylian Mbappé, along with Ousmane Dembélé and Bayern Munich’s rising talent Michael Olise, expectations were higher against Spain’s seasoned defence and midfield.
Former France striker and BBC pundit Olivier Giroud said the squad had extra motivation at this World Cup to give Deschamps the farewell he wanted and merited.
He added that, although the perfect send-off eluded them, Deschamps remains a great of the game, with a record that speaks for itself after 14 years in charge.
Giroud, a 2018 World Cup winner under Deschamps, said the coach is like a second father to some players.
For Giroud personally, Deschamps showed faith many times, and he tried to repay that trust on the pitch — a bond strengthened by their shared World Cup triumph. He still calls him “coach”.
Giroud noted that national teams have limited time for tactical work and each manager brings a distinct philosophy.
Deschamps, he said, gave his stars freedom while providing clear instructions to maintain balance, so players always knew each other’s positions.
Above all, Giroud highlighted Deschamps’ relentless desire, drive, and ambition to be the best and to win every match — a competitive mindset that defined his teams.