As a player, Deschamps captained France to the 1998 World Cup, and two decades later he led them as manager to the 2018 crown.
Over his 14-year reign, France also reached another World Cup final—losing to Argentina on penalties in 2022—and were beaten by Portugal in the Euro 2016 final.
If they get past Spain, his final tournament in charge would finish with a showdown against either Argentina or England.
“His priority is turning this group into world champions,” said Bartoli. “They won in 2018, made the final in 2022, and now he’s desperate to finish on a high.”
“Spain will be a formidable opponent—he knows that. We lost to them at the Euros, so of course he wants revenge.”
Bartoli believes Deschamps hasn’t received the credit he deserves because expectations in French sport are so high.
“In France it can feel like 67 million people think they’re coaching the team,” she said. “It’s a tough job, but he does it brilliantly.”
“We’ve been spoiled by generations of greats—Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, Eric Cantona—which makes us feel we have to win every time.”
“For me, the extraordinary results haven’t brought him the recognition he deserves, but that’s France—and he knows it.”
Bartoli says the perfect farewell for Deschamps would be lifting the World Cup on 19 July.
Whatever the result, she expects him to stay in the sport.
“Knowing him, he’ll set off on another adventure,” she said. “I’m not sure whether that will be at a club—or where.”
“He may take a year out, but he loves football too much to leave it behind.”
“He’s determined to bow out on a high—winning would be the ultimate. He’s a born winner.”