Didier Deschamps' remarkable spell as France coach ended in disappointment as Spain outclassed Les Bleus in the World Cup semifinals, but one painful defeat will do little to diminish one of the greatest managerial legacies in international football.
France were beaten by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final and have now lost to Spain in three consecutive major tournament semifinals: Euro 2024, the UEFA Nations League and Tuesday's 2-0 World Cup defeat.
Despite those recent setbacks, Deschamps leaves behind an extraordinary record.
Appointed in 2012, when French football was still reeling from the infamous player revolt and first-round exit at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he restored stability, belief and success to the national team.
He guided France to their second World Cup title in 2018, exactly 20 years after captaining the team to its first on home soil. Under his leadership, France also reached the World Cup final again in 2022 and advanced to the semifinals at three consecutive tournaments.
