Kylian Mbappe’s dream of reaching three consecutive World Cup finals ended in Dallas disappointment after France were well beaten by Spain in the semi-final.
Prior to their travails in Texas, Mbappe’s France had swept aside all before them as they looked to win a second World Cup in eight years.
The Real Madrid forward was in brilliant form but the French lost 2-0 to an impressive Spain, meaning they were condemned to the third-place play-off against England – a game that positively no one wants to play.
It is the end of an era for France. While Mbappe might have a few World Cups left in him, they will say goodbye to long-serving manager Didier Deschamps after Saturday night’s clash in Miami.
With the head coach set to leave, Mbappe has sent him an emotional message.
Mbappe says France players failed Didier Deschamps
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Mbappe admitted that the players had failed their coach this summer.
It read: “Today is your last dance. You who gave us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed.
“Putting words to what you brought over 14 years is very difficult, so major an actor were you in the revival of this team. People haven’t always known how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will take care of that…
“Thank you for giving me the chance and opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years. I feel privileged to have been able to stand alongside one of the greatest legends of our country, and I hold only excellent memories of everything we lived through and accomplished together.
“I wish you the best in your new adventure, and thank you again for everything you brought to this jersey that means so much to us.”
Deschamps breathes rarified air in soccer as one of few people to have ever won the World Cup as a player and a manager.
Still, the 57-year-old has often been criticized for his defensive tactics. In the eyes of many observers, Deschamps should have won more trophies with two generations of talented French players than solely the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Zinedine Zidane set to take over as France coach
With Deschamps leaving, the iconic Zinedine Zidane is set to take over.
According to expert soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, Zidane will be announced as France’s new coach shortly.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history, Zidane won the World Cup as a player with France in 1998.
The 54-year-old has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.
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