Mbappe pays emotional tribute to Deschamps: ‘We should have given you a better send-off’

Mbappe pays emotional tribute to Deschamps: ‘We should have given you a better send-off’ France and England will meet tonight in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff after losing their respective semi-finals to Spain and Argentina. While neither side would have wanted to contest the match, it will mark the end of an era for Didier Deschamps, who will take charge of France for the final time . Deschamps leaves as the French national team’s most experienced World Cup manager, bringing to a close a remarkable 14-year spell in charge. Mbappe’s emotional farewell France captain Kylian Mbappe shared an emotional message on social media, thanking Deschamps for everything he has done for both the national team and his own career. The striker also appeared to respond to those who have questioned the coach’s legacy, insisting that history will ultimately judge his achievements fairly. “Today is your last dance . You who have given us so much. We should have given you a better send-off, but we have failed. “It is very difficult to put into words what you have contributed over the past 14 years; you have been such a key figure in this team’s revival,” Mbappe started. Continuing, the Real Madrid superstar added: “People have not always appreciated your greatness, but time and history will take care of that….” Expressing gratitude for giving him the opportunity, Mbappe, who won the 2018 World Cup under Deschamps, further noted: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity and the chance to represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years. “I feel privileged to have been able to stand alongside one of our country’s greatest legends, and I have nothing but fond memories of everything we’ve experienced and achieved together.” Deschamps’ final game for France tonight. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Concluding, he wrote; “I wish you all the best in your new adventure, and thank you once again for everything you’ve given to this shirt, which means so much to us.” End of an era Although France’s World Cup campaign ends without the trophy they hoped for, Deschamps departs after one of the most successful managerial spells in international football. For Mbappe, the farewell was not only a thank you to the coach who helped shape his international career, but also a reminder that Deschamps’ legacy, in his view, will only grow stronger with time. Replacing the iconic manager will be Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane.