In a few months, we won’t see as much of Didier Deschamps, as he is set to leave his position as the French national team coach after the 2026 World Cup. Known for his experience and knowledge of the game, the former OM coach also experienced a social media blunder a few years ago.
When Didier Deschamps speaks, we listen, but sometimes we also laugh. A few years ago, the French national team coach made a big mistake. While on live television, the 1998 World Cup champion made a mistake about a player, and of course, it went viral on social media.
The blunder on Canal+
In 2016, Didier Deschamps was a guest on the Canal Football Club and was asked about Aymeric Laporte, who wanted to play for the French national team at the time but was also being followed by Spain. “There is competition, Mathieu at Barcelona, Koulibaly at Naples,” the coach declared. The problem: Kalidou Koulibaly was born in France but at that time had already chosen to represent Senegal. DD later reflected on this blunder, saying, “I tried to be clever and it backfired. I can make mistakes. What made me smile was what was said afterward: they thought they had paid someone to scout him. We never went. I caused a buzz.”
“I don’t hold it against him either”
On that evening, Kalidou Koulibaly happened to be watching the Canal Football Club with friends. The central defender was surprised to hear his name but holds no grudge against Didier Deschamps. “I was watching CFC but not really paying attention. Then suddenly I heard my name. Immediately, friends messaged me. He (Deschamps) must have missed something. I don’t hold it against him either. I heard a member of the French team staff came to watch a match between Naples and Empoli (on January 31, Ndlr). I thought it was for Laurini (Vincent, who plays right-back), who is also French. After that, I don’t know who it was for. That’s what I heard,” the Senegalese international told RMC in February 2016.
