June 12, 1998: 28 years ago, Didier Deschamps played his first World Cup match with Les Bleus.

Twenty-eight years ago to the day, on June 12, 1998, Didier Deschamps He played his first ever World Cup match for the French national team. At the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, against South Africa, the captain of Les Bleus experienced the biggest stage in international football and, armband in hand, launched the adventure that would forever change the history of French football. France won 3-0 in this first Group C match. For Deschamps, this encounter marked the beginning of a historic tournament. A month later, he would lift the World Cup at the Stade de France after Les Bleus' victory against Brazil in the final.

A first under pressure in Marseille

The French team enters this World Cup with high public expectations. The tournament is being held in France, and Les Bleus have missed two consecutive World Cup finals, in 1990 and 1994. Against South Africa, Aimé Jacquet entrusts the captain's armband to Didier Deschamps. The Juventus player occupies his usual role in midfield. He guides the team, organizes the play, and contributes to the balance of a unit built around a solid defense and a compact midfield. This first match is crucial to kick-start the competition. France must win to avoid a difficult start in their group. Les Bleus take the lead in the 35th minute thanks to Christophe Dugarry, who came on as a substitute after Stéphane Guivarc'h's injury.

A clear victory to kick off France 98

After opening the scoring, France maintained control of the match. In the second half, Les Bleus extended their lead. Pierre Issa deflected the ball into his own net in the 78th minute. Thierry Henry then scored the third goal in the 90th minute. The 3-0 scoreline allowed France to begin their World Cup campaign in excellent form. Les Bleus secured three points, scoring three goals and conceding none. This victory launched a run that would ultimately lead them to the world title. Didier Deschamps played the entire match. In his first World Cup appearance, he fulfilled his role as captain of a team that would steadily improve throughout the tournament.

Deschamps, a central role in Aimé Jacquet's team

Didier Deschamps was already a key player for the French national team in 1998. At 29, he possessed considerable international experience and played at the highest European level. His role within the squad extended beyond his position on the pitch. Aimé Jacquet relied on him to guide a team composed of experienced players and younger talents. Around him, Les Bleus included Fabien Barthez, Laurent Blanc, Marcel Desailly, Lilian Thuram, Bixente Lizarazu, Emmanuel Petit, Zinédine Zidane, Youri Djorkaeff, and Thierry Henry. Against South Africa, Deschamps began a World Cup that would solidify his place in the history of the French national team. He would remain a starter and captain until the final victory on July 12, 1998.

The first chapter of a prolific history with the French national team.

Captain of the 1998 World Cup-winning team, Deschamps went on to become manager of the French national team. In 2018, he won another World Cup, this time from the sidelines, guiding Les Bleus to their second world title. Few figures in football have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager. Didier Deschamps belongs to this very select group; 28 years later, June 12, 1998, remains a significant date in Didier Deschamps' career and in the history of the French national team.