France staff publish heartfelt farewell letter to Deschamps in Le Parisien

After 14 years at the helm of the France national team, Didier Deschamps officiated his 185th and final match with Les Bleus against England during the 2026 World Cup. His loyal assistants and staff members paid tribute to him in a moving letter published to thank the man who accompanied them for over a decade.

A moving farewell. As Deschamps led his final match after 14 years in charge, his assistants and staff revealed a farewell letter in the columns of Le Parisien this Saturday to thank the now former coach of Les Bleus. His 14-year tenure concluded at the 2026 World Cup with his most faithful by his side, including:

• Guy Stéphan (assistant coach)
• Cyril Moine (fitness coach)
• Franck Raviot (goalkeeping coach)

"When you, Didier Deschamps, did us the honor of taking us on this incredible adventure that is the France team, none of us could imagine everything we would experience together. The victories, the few rare disappointments, the travels around the world to represent much more than a football team, the emotions shared with our entire country... but also this daily life that no one sees and which, ultimately, is what matters most. As this incredible adventure came to an end after the World Cup in the United States, we wanted to address you. Here, in these columns. Because there are thanks that cannot be kept to oneself. Thank you for granting us your trust. Thank you for allowing us to share this unique adventure. Thank you for giving us a place by your side."

"Nothing Is More Important Than the Jersey"

In this long letter, the staff members also pay tribute to the method and values upheld for 14 years by Deschamps at the head of Les Bleus.

"Throughout all these years, you taught us that there is a way to serve the France team. With rigor, always. But also with humility, discipline, solidarity, and loyalty."

And with this idea that never left him: "nothing is more important than the jersey." A phrase that those close to him "heard uttered hundreds of times," but which they especially saw the coach "embody."

"For you, this requirement was non-negotiable. And before imposing it on us, you imposed it on yourself. In each of your choices."

The staff continues its tribute by evoking everything Deschamps transmitted to them over the years:

"You taught us that work and convictions are worth more than grand announcements, that responsibilities are not claimed: they are assumed. You taught us that every detail mattered, from the field to the kitchen, through the press conference or the treatment room. To accept defeats without ever making excuses. To stay united when everything was going well as when everything seemed more complicated."

For the staff members, the former captain of Les Bleus also built a collective beyond just the players:

"You taught us that a great team is not just an assembly of great players. It is built with those who want to move forward together. You always reminded us that everyone mattered. You gave us the feeling that our work had value. And that is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful gifts a coach can give to those who accompany him."

"History Will Remember the Successes, the Records, the Finals, and the Evenings That Made an Entire Country Vibrate"

Beyond the world champion title won in 2018, Deschamps' staff emphasizes the exceptional longevity of the coach, who led Les Bleus to the semifinals of a World Cup three times consecutively.

"Of course, we must never trivialize the exceptional: more than the champion title..."