Kylian Mbappé, captain of the France national team, sent a heartfelt farewell message to manager Didier Deschamps, hours before his final game in charge of 'Les Bleus' against England in the third-place playoff of the 2026 World Cup.

Deschamps, 57, concludes his tenure with the French national team after 14 years at the helm since 2012, during which he led France to win the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League, becoming the longest-serving coach in the team's history.

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Mbappé published a message on his Instagram account, expressing his gratitude to his coach, stressing that the players had wished to bid him farewell in a manner befitting his contributions to French football.

The France captain said: 'Today is your last match with us. You have given us so much; we should have said goodbye to you in a way worthy of you, but we did not succeed.'

He added: 'It is difficult to describe what you have given over 14 years. You were a pivotal player in the revival of this team. People have not always appreciated your greatness, but time and history will correct that.'

Mbappé also thanked Deschamps for giving him the chance to represent the French national team, saying: 'Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent my country on the biggest sporting stage over these years. I am proud to have been alongside one of the greatest legends of our nation, and I will never forget everything we lived and achieved together.'

He concluded his message by saying: 'I wish you all the best in your new adventure, and thank you again for everything you have brought to this jersey that means so much to us.'

The French national team is preparing to face their English counterparts at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, in what will be Deschamps' last match in charge before his departure, with Zinedine Zidane set to take over as coach in the next phase.

Mbappé, who has played 105 international matches and scored 64 goals for France, aims to lead his country to finish third in the tournament, while also maintaining his position as top scorer of the 2026 World Cup with 8 goals.