Kylian Mbappé Says France Coach Deschamps Deserved a Better Goodbye

What’s Happening?

On July 18, 2026, at 4:43 p.m. ET, big soccer news came out: Kylian Mbappé (France’s star player) is thanking and praising Didier Deschamps, the coach of France’s national soccer team. Mbappé says Deschamps should have gotten a nicer final moment.

Editor’s note: You can follow live updates on the England–France World Cup game using the original live coverage link.

Who Are These People?

• Kylian Mbappé: A famous French soccer player who has played for France’s main national team for years.
• Didier Deschamps: The coach of France’s soccer team for 14 years. He is stepping down after this World Cup.
• World Cup: A huge international soccer tournament where countries play to be the best in the world.

The Big Match and the Coach’s Last Game

France is playing England on Saturday, July 18, in the third-place game at the World Cup. This means they are playing to see who finishes third overall.

This game is also Deschamps’ final game as coach after 14 years.

France was doing great in the tournament and many thought they might win their second title in eight years. But then they met Spain in the semifinal (the round before the final) and lost.

Important Point: France was a favorite to win but lost to Spain in the semifinal, making this third-place game a disappointing finish for Deschamps’ last match.

What Did Mbappé Say?

Mbappé wrote a message to Deschamps. Here is what he said in simple words:

• “You gave us so much. We should have given you a better ending, but we didn’t.”
• “It’s hard to say all the good things you did for us in 14 years. You helped rebuild this team. People didn’t always see how great you were, but history will.”
• He also thanked Deschamps for personally helping him. Mbappé said he will only have good memories playing for him.
• Deschamps has been Mbappé’s only coach on France’s senior team. Together they won the 2018 World Cup and were runner-up (second place) four years later.

Mbappé also said:

• “Thank you for letting me represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years.”
• “I feel lucky to be next to one of the greatest legends of our country. I will only have the best memories.”

He shared a photo of him celebrating with Deschamps.

Deschamps’ Track Record

Before Mbappé joined the senior team, Deschamps led France to:

• Second place at the 2016 European championships (a big soccer tournament for European countries)

During his time, Deschamps achieved:

1. World Cup win in 2018
2. World Cup runner-up in 2022
3. European championship runner-up in 2016

What Happens Next?

Deschamps said before the World Cup that he would leave after the tournament. This ends one of the longest and most successful runs as a national team coach.

Many people think Zinedine Zidane will replace him. Zidane used to play with Deschamps on the France team that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European title.

Deschamps has not said what he will do next.

Mbappé finished his message by saying:

• “I wish you the best in your new adventure.”
• “Thank you for all you brought to this jersey that means so much to me.”
• He ended with a crown emoji

Extra Things to Know

• You can sign up for a newsletter to get World Cup highlights in your inbox.
• There are photo galleries showing Mbappé in the loss to Spain and France vs. England fighting for third place.
• Another article explains if Mbappé is playing vs England today.

Summary

Kylian Mbappé praised coach Didier Deschamps as Deschamps prepares to leave the France soccer team after 14 years. France plays England for third place at the 2026 World Cup, which is Deschamps’ last game after a semifinal loss to Spain. Mbappé thanked him for his help, said he deserved a better ending, and wished him well. Zidane is expected to be the next coach.

FAQ

1. Why is Didier Deschamps leaving?
He announced before the World Cup that he would step down after the tournament, ending 14 years as France’s coach.

2. What did France do in the 2026 World Cup?
They reached the semifinal but lost to Spain. Now they are playing England for third place.

3. Who might replace Deschamps?
Zinedine Zidane, a former France player and teammate of Deschamps, is widely believed to take over.

4. What did Mbappé win with Deschamps?
They won the 2018 World Cup and were runner-up in 2022, among other achievements.

5. Is Mbappé playing against England?
There is a separate article about whether Mbappé is playing vs England in the third-place game.