Mbappé's Emotional Tribute to Didier Deschamps Ahead of France’s World Cup Third‑Place Match
France captain Kylian Mbappé posted a heartfelt message on social media just before the World Cup 2026 third‑place playoff against England. In the note he wrote, “Today is your last dance… You gave us so much. We should have offered you a better ending, but we failed,” acknowledging that the team could not give coach Didier Deschamps a more fitting farewell. Mbappé praised Deschamps’ 14‑year tenure, recalling the 2018 World Cup triumph, the 2022 final, the 2021 Nations League win and the 2016 Euro final, and thanked him for the chance to represent France. The message came after France’s 2‑0 semi‑final loss to Spain, confirming that the match in Miami will be Deschamps’ final appearance in charge. Media reports note that former player Zinedine Zidane is expected to succeed Deschamps as head coach of Les Bleus. The tribute highlighted both gratitude for past successes and the disappointment of ending the tournament without a medal.