Deschamps is aiming for his third consecutive World Cup final with the French national team. Photo: Reuters .
In the early hours of July 10th, following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup , Thierry Henry lavished praise on coach Didier Deschamps, while also suggesting that whoever succeeds him, including Zinedine Zidane, will face immense pressure.
Working as a commentator for Fox Sports right from the stadium in Boston, the former Arsenal star watched "Les Bleus"' convincing performance against Morocco. After the match, Henry stated: "It will be very difficult to replace Deschamps."
Henry's statement comes as Zidane is seen as the leading candidate to take over the French national team after Deschamps' tenure ends. The 54-year-old coach has won 3 Champions Leagues, 2 La Liga titles, and 2 European Super Cups with Real Madrid, but according to Henry, that track record is not enough to guarantee an easy transition.
The former French national team striker believes Deschamps' greatest value lies in his ability to make bold yet well-calculated decisions. "Many people say he's lucky. No, that has nothing to do with luck. Success comes from daring to take risks. He always takes risks, but they are calculated risks. Believe me, he possesses a brilliant mind," Henry emphasized.
The 1998 World Cup champion also pointed out that what makes Deschamps different is that he has been involved in almost every glorious milestone in French football. Deschamps won the World Cup and the European Championship as a player, then went on to win the World Cup as head coach, and led "Les Bleus" to the finals of one European Championship and two World Cups.
According to Henry, it is precisely that immense legacy that makes succeeding Deschamps such a difficult challenge. Even an icon like Zidane would face immense pressure if he were to take over the French national team in the future.