France captain Kylian Mbappe has paid a rich tribute to coach Didier Deschamps after returning to the touchline following the death of his mother, helping France beat Sweden to reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.Mbappe, who scored twice in France’s 3-0 win over Sweden, rushed to the France dugout and hugged his coach to dedicate his first goal to Didier Deschamps, while the rest of the team showed a touching display of solidarity. The move comes after Deschamps reunited with his family after missing France’s final group game due to the death of his mother.
Mbappe: “Some things are more important than the World Cup”
After the game, Mbappe explained why celebrating with Deschamps was more important than any personal milestone.“There are things more important than the World Cup, more important than you,” Mbappe told reporters, according to USA Today.The France captain stressed that the team wanted to stand firmly behind their coach during one of the most difficult moments of his life.“But like I said, it’s in the DNA of this team to be together and really united. We all support the coach, no matter what happens, no matter what’s going to happen. We all support him and we want him to know he’s not alone,” he said.The captain’s sentiments were echoed by France defender Maro Gusteau, who said the players wanted to repay Deschamps’ continued faith in them.“I think it’s important. I think Killian is doing this to support our coach as well. It’s a tough time for him. It’s our responsibility to repay his help. I thought we did a really good job tonight,” Gusteau said.An exciting scene capped another outstanding performance from Mbappe, who scored twice to help France easily advance to the last 16, where they will face Paraguay.
Deschamps was touched by his captain’s gesture
Deschamps admitted that Mbappe’s celebrations touched him deeply and praised the unity shown by his players in his absence.“Kylian’s actions touched me deeply,” Deschamps said, according to Franceinfo. “He was a role model from the first day. The team was united and they did what was necessary when I was not there. Team spirit does not win games, but it certainly loses them.”Reflecting on France’s qualification, the World Cup-winning coach said the team deserved to celebrate another successful step in their campaign.“The step has been taken, it’s logical and natural, but you have to appreciate it when things are done well,” he said.Deschamps also reiterated France’s collective ambition to lift another World Cup trophy.“We are on a mission with them,” he added.The victory also added another milestone to Deschamps’ extraordinary coaching career, making him the coach with the most wins in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup history (nine games in total).
