Kylian Mbappé and his France teammates didn’t know about Didier Deschamps’ exit announcement

France captain Kylian Mbappé (26) and his teammates in the national team setup didn’t know about Didier Deschamps’ announcement he’ll step down as Les Bleus boss after the 2026 World Cup, Le Parisien can reveal. Deschamps spoke of his decision to leave during a cross-interview with France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron a part of the launch of Les Pièces Jaunes’ campaign – a well-known French charity aiming to improve the conditions of hospitalized children.

The interview took place on Monday afternoon and eventually aired this Wednesday. Le Parisien add that Deschamps kept his France players in the dark about this, including the ones that captained Les Bleus the likes of Mbappé, N’Golo Kanté (33), Aurélien Tchouaméni (24) and Ibrahima Konaté (25). The outlet understands that Deschamps’ silence may be explained by the fact his announcement to leave his post seems unscripted.

TF1 journalist Marie-Sophie Lacarrau, who conducted Deschamps’ interview, has confirmed no announcement from Deschamps was planned. She explained that, contrary to French President Emmanuel Macron – who can’t seek reelection in 2027 – Deschamps could still extend his stay as France manager. Lacarrau then asked Deschamps whether he would be interested in doing so. “He starts by saying he was not here to make an announcement, I ask him again and then he says it, surprising everyone“, leaving Lacarrau and Brigitte Macron visibly stunned.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval