Deschamps declines conferences and consultant role to prepare his comeback

Didier Deschamps has deliberately stepped away from the public eye since the end of his tenure as France manager, following the 2026 World Cup. According to Le Parisien, the 57-year-old coach declined numerous proposals, including invitations to give conferences at major French companies.

Unlike some executives who quickly pivot to sports commentary — such as Medhi Benatia, who moved from director of football at Marseille to regularly commenting on the club’s news — Deschamps chose not to take on such a role. A decision consistent with his situation: publicly taking a stance on Zinédine Zidane’s early days as his successor at the helm of the Blues would have been a risky exercise.

The former World Cup-winning captain preferred to make the most of his free time with family, particularly in Brittany, the home region of his wife Claude. A discreet but deliberate withdrawal.

That said, Deschamps has no intention of retiring permanently. “No, no, I’m not retired! I’m stopping, but I’m certainly not retired,” he declared in early 2025, when announcing that the 2026 World Cup would be his last competition as manager. With his agent Jean-Pierre Bernès, he will carefully examine offers that come his way to return to the touchline. For now, there is no rush.