The French Football Federation (FFF) has praised Didier Deschamps for his outstanding contribution to French football after the end of his 14-year tenure as head coach of the national team.

Deschamps leaves the France job after a period of sustained success that saw Les Bleus return to the top of international football, with the federation describing him as one of the most influential figures in the country’s football history.

In a statement published on its official X account, the FFF expressed its gratitude to the former midfielder, highlighting the impact he made during more than a decade leading the national side.

“The FFF salutes and thanks the national team coach Didier Deschamps for the exceptional work accomplished at the helm of @equipedefrance since 2012,” the federation wrote.

Deschamps’ departure brings an end to a remarkable chapter that began in 2012 and followed a distinguished career as a player. The federation said his contribution represented 25 years of exceptional service to French football, first as a national team captain and later as one of France’s most successful managers.

The FFF said Deschamps’ leadership was built on key principles that helped shape the identity of the national team throughout his reign.

“There are careers that indelibly mark the history of an institution and a country. Didier Deschamps embodied rigour, discipline, a sense of the collective, and a love for the blue jersey,” the federation said.

During his time in charge, Deschamps guided France to some of the greatest achievements in their history. His biggest success came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when he led Les Bleus to victory in Russia, becoming only the second person to win the tournament as both a player and a coach.

He also helped France secure the 2021 UEFA Nations League title and guided the team to several other major international finals, maintaining the country’s position among the world’s leading football nations.

The federation emphasised that Deschamps’ influence extended beyond trophies and results, pointing to the stability and respect he brought to the national team.

“Under his leadership, for fourteen years, the French national team regained credibility, respect, and affection while remaining at the highest level worldwide,” the FFF said.

Deschamps finishes his managerial career with France having overseen 185 matches, recording 120 victories. Those statistics place him among the most successful coaches ever to lead Les Bleus.

The FFF also highlighted the culture of responsibility and excellence that Deschamps developed within the squad, saying his work would continue to influence future generations.

“Beyond the 185 matches played and 120 victories, Didier Deschamps passed on a culture of performance and responsibility that will remain a benchmark for generations to come. He nurtured the emergence of numerous internationals, united several squads around strong values, and helped strengthen the unique bond between the French people and their national team.”

Deschamps’ legacy is further strengthened by his achievements in both roles he held with France. As captain, he lifted the country’s first World Cup trophy in 1998 and helped win the European Championship in 2000. Twenty years later, he returned as manager and guided France to another World Cup triumph.

The FFF recognised that rare achievement, describing his place in French football as unmatched.

“Captain of the 1998 World Cup-winning team and the 2000 European Championship winners, then World Cup-winning coach twenty years later, Didier Deschamps holds a singular place in the history of French football. Few will have given as much to the blue jersey, first as a player and then as a coach.”

As France begins a new era, Deschamps departs with a legacy defined by trophies, consistency and a lasting impact on the national team.