Frenchman Kylian Mbappe celebrates with his coach Didier Deschamps after scoring a goal. (AP photo)
France captain Kylian Mbappe paid an emotional tribute to coach Didier Deschamps after the veteran manager returned to the touchline following the death of his mother, as the French team defeated Sweden to book their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.Mbappe, who scored twice in France’s 3-0 thrashing of Sweden, dedicated his first goal to Deschamps by running into the French dugout and embracing his coach, with the rest of the team joining in in a touching show of unity. This gesture came after Deschamps missed France’s last match in the group stage to be with his family after the death of his mother.
Mbappe: There are more important things than the World Cup
Speaking after the match, Mbappe explained why celebrating with Deschamps was more important than any personal achievement.“There are things more important than the World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappe told reporters, according to USA Today.The French captain stressed that the team wanted to stand strongly behind its coach during one of the most difficult moments of his life.“But as I said, it’s in the DNA of this group to stick together and be really united. We’re all behind the coach, no matter what happens, no matter what happens.
“We’re all behind him, and we wanted him to know he’s not alone.”French defender Malou Gusteau echoed the captain’s sentiments, saying that the players want to repay the confidence Deschamps has always shown in them.“I think that was important. I think Kylian did that to support our coach as well. It was a tough time for him. It was up to us to give back. I think we did really well tonight,” Giusto said.The emotional scenes were capped by another impressive performance from Mbappe, who scored twice as France easily progressed to the round of 16, where they will face Paraguay.
Deschamps was touched by the captain’s gesture
Deschamps admitted that Mbappe’s celebration had a profound impact on him and praised the unity shown by his players throughout his absence.“Kylian’s gesture touched me deeply,” Deschamps said, according to France Info. “He was perfect from day one. The group was united, and they did what was necessary when I was not there. Team spirit does not win games, but it can certainly lose them.”Commenting on France’s qualification, the World Cup-winning coach said that the team deserves to celebrate another successful step in its journey.He said: “This step has been taken, it is logical and natural, but you have to appreciate it when things go well.”Deschamps also reaffirmed France’s collective ambition to lift the World Cup again.He added: “We are on a mission, and I am with them too.”The win also added another milestone to Deschamps’ impressive coaching career, making him the manager with the most wins in the knockout stages in FIFA World Cup history with nine.