Deschamps absent from Olmeta's charity match in Bayonne, Zidane present in the stands

Didier Deschamps declined his friend Pascal Olmeta’s invitation once again. On Tuesday evening at Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne, the former France manager (2012-2026) did not take part in the “legends match” organized to benefit the association Un sourire, un espoir pour la vie — just as he had already done at Robert Pires’ testimonial in Metz three weeks earlier.

His absence took on particular significance: Zinédine Zidane, his successor as head of the Bleus, was present in the stands. The new manager did not shy away from contact with the public, accepting selfies and autographs before remaining on the sideline during the match.

The context made Deschamps’ presence all the more expected. A native of Bayonne, he made his football debut at Aviron Bayonnais, the multi-sport club in the Basque city primarily known for rugby. He had moreover participated in previous editions of the same event, in Bordeaux and then in Lens. Olmeta and he share a common history at Marseille between 1991 and 1993: Deschamps was captain there and lifted the Champions League, while Olmeta served as backup goalkeeper behind Fabien Barthez.

Without Deschamps, Olmeta nevertheless assembled a strong lineup. On the football side, 1998 World Cup winners Laurent Blanc, Fabien Barthez and Bixente Lizarazu answered the call, as did 1991 Ballon d’Or winner Jean-Pierre Papin and former internationals Dimitri Payet, Ludovic Giuly, Sidney Govou and Bafétimbi Gomis. On the rugby side, Sébastien Chabal played alongside the footballers, while Richard Dourthe, Camille Lopez, Dimitri Yachvili, Jérôme Thion and Imanol Harinordoquy represented the oval ball.