Deschamps quits the Bleus after 14 years, sparking public anger

After fourteen years at the helm of the French national team, Didier Deschamps announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 World Cup, immediately triggering strong reactions among the supporters of Les Bleus.

Controversial selection choice

For his final tournament, the coach decided not to select Ayyoub Bouaddi, a 19‑year‑old midfielder, who has since chosen to represent Morocco and has been called up for the World Cup. “He has that freedom to choose (between France and Morocco),” Deschamps recalled, noting that he had not spoken with the player and would let performances speak.

National technical director Hubert Fournier had, however, described Bouaddi as a “unique talent”, but Deschamps judged the young citizen “not yet quite ready” for the demands of a World Cup final stage, despite his ten caps with the French U‑21 side.

Public reactions and future prospects

The coach’s refusal quickly resonated on social media, a Les Bleus supporter writing on X: “I will never forgive him, Didier Deschamps.” The comment followed a video showing Bouaddi, a native of Senlis, against the Eagles of Mali (a match that ended 1‑1).

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The new coach, Zinedine Zidane, seems to appreciate Bouaddi’s profile. Zidane opted for a three‑midfield system to add a technical touch, which could have opened a place for Bouaddi in the former Real Madrid coach’s list.

The tricolour staff, at the time, preferred to rely on proven values rather than integrate a post‑academy profile, even though the young player has already shone with Morocco, notably during the recent clash against Mali.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Deschamps’s decision will remain a subject of debate, both for those who favour continuity and for those who lament the absence of a talent deemed promising.