Mbappe Laments France’s Defeat, Says Deschamps Deserved Better Farewell

France captain Kylian Mbappe has expressed disappointment over his side’s 6-4 defeat to England in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, saying head coach Didier Deschamps deserved a winning farewell after his remarkable service to the national team.

Speaking after Saturday’s defeat, the Real Madrid forward admitted the players had hoped to honour Deschamps with victory in what turned out to be his final match in charge of Les Bleus.

“We didn’t win, and that is a shame for the coach. We wanted to do something for him, and the first half gave the impression that we let him down, even if that wasn’t the feeling we intended,” Mbappe told French broadcaster M6.

Despite the disappointing result, Mbappe insisted the defeat would not diminish Deschamps’ achievements with the French national team.

“But we want to thank him for everything he’s done. This match won’t tarnish Didier Deschamps’ legend,” he said.

Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and another final appearance in 2022, is stepping down after the 2026 tournament, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial spells in the country’s football history.

The match against England marked his final appearance on the French bench.

Reports indicate that former Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane is the leading candidate to succeed Deschamps as head coach.

Mbappe, who scored twice against England, finished the tournament as the leading scorer with 10 goals, placing him in pole position to win the World Cup Golden Boot.

Although France fell short of securing third place, the captain’s emotional tribute highlighted the squad’s appreciation for Deschamps’ contribution to French football over the past decade.

The 2026 World Cup therefore closes a significant chapter for France, with Deschamps departing as one of the nation’s most decorated coaches and a new era expected to begin under fresh leadership.