Humble Beginnings to Football Greatness: Didier Deschamps Story

Didier grew up in a modest French family, where his father, Pierre, worked as a painter for the Departmental Directorates of Equipment (DDE) in France. His mother, Ginette, ran a successful wholesale shop specializing in woollen products.

As a child, Didier showed talent in various sports but ultimately chose to pursue football. Throughout his playing career, he gained recognition as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in French football history. Now, as a manager, he continues to hold a prominent position in the world of football.

Despite his achievements, many football fans are unfamiliar with Didier Deschamps’ life story. In appreciation of his contributions to the sport, we’ve compiled his biography, and we are eager to share it with you. Let’s dive in without further delay.

Our Didier Deschamps Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents – Pierre Deschamps (Father),  Ginette Deschamps (Mother), Family Background, Wife (Claude) and Son (Dylan).

Again, we’ll present factual information about Didier Deschamps Lifestyle, Personality facts, and Net Worth – 2024 stats. We’ll discuss this from an in-depth perspective.

We begin the Life History of Didier Deschamps by telling you a summary of the events of his Early days in Bayonne. We then proceed to how he became successful and famous as both a player and manager.

To whet your autobiography appetite on the engaging nature of Didier Deschamps’ Bio, we’ve made it necessary to unveil to you his Early Life and Rise Gallery. Behold, the Journey of the Football Icon.

Didier Deschamps Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, the Manager bears the nickname “the water-carrier”. Didier Claude Deschamps was born on October 15th, the year 1968, in Bayonne, France, to his parents Ginette and Pierre Deschamps. The French football legend and manager was the second son in his family, having one sibling, his late brother Philippe.

Both were born of the union between his lovely Dad and Mum (Pierre and Ginette) who we picture here.

Didier Deschamps’s parents – Ginette and Pierre – had him at a clinic in the Lachepaillet district of Bayonne. His birth came just six months after American activist Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated.

Early Life and Growing-Up Years:

Didier loved nature as a child. One of the best memories of his childhood was going on fish hunting exploits of which both himself, his Dad (Pierre) father and his late brother, Philippe. Also as a child, he was versatile – very good in different sports.

Didier Deschamps Family Background:

The French football Manager hails from a comfortable middle-class household – with both of his parents belonging to the French working class. Didier Deschamps’ father, Pierre, pursued a career as a painter and worked at the Departmental Directorates of Equipment (DDE) in France.

Meanwhile, his mother, Ginette, was involved in the wool industry, running a prosperous wholesale shop for woolen products. During that time (the early 70s), the French wool market made France witness an economic boom.

Didier Deschamps Family Origin:

Although his nationality is France, the football manager has more to his heritage – which we’ll tell you.

Didier Deschamps’ family hails from Bayonne, in the southwest of France and on the western border between Basque Country and Gascony.

From an ethnicity standpoint, Didier Deschamps is a Basque. This is a French ethnic group that is indigenous to the people of north-central Spain.

Where Didier Deschamps’ family comes from Bayonne. This town is known for its fine chocolates, produced in the town for over 500 years.

Because of its proximity to the ocean, Bayonne has in recent times developed important activities related to tourism.

More importantly, where Didier Deschamps’ family comes from is rich in sports and sports facilities.

Examples of such include; Rowing, Basketball, Football, Omnisports, Basque Pelota, and Rugby. Guess what?… the World Cup manager was good at all these sports.

Didier Deschamps Education:

While at school, his teachers often described him as a calm and studious student. Didier Deschamps attended Sutar school in Anglet, a commune in Basque Country, France.

A result of our research has it that Didier Deschamps Education continued in his hometown (Bayonne). After completing primary school, Didier Deschamps’ devout parents enrolled him at Saint-Bernard Catholic College in Bayonne, a city in southwest France.

During his school days, Deschamps balanced academics with his love for football. He often spent his breaks playing the sport.

After classes, Didier attended Catholic catechism classes, demonstrating his commitment to his religious upbringing. In the evenings, he diligently reviewed his school lessons.

Career Buildup:

Always in his spare time, Didier Deschamps kept playing football, especially on the small field court of a private establishment, close to his family home.

Back then, he loved to dribble his friend and after playing soccer, he would switch to other sports.

Away from football, research has it that young Didier tried his hand at swimming, Basque pelota, handball, cross-country, rugby, long jump and the middle distance races.

As a schoolboy, Deschamps was crowned champion for a 1,000 meters event competition.

The truth is, Rugby could have been Didier Deschamps’ calling. Unfortunately, he gave up on the sport – when he realized his opponents were much bigger and stronger.

Didier Deschamps was eleven years old when he left rugby and switch totally to football.

With love for only football, the focus got increased. Back then, when Didier finished his school homework, he would hurry to play ball – mostly alone, or with his neighbours or cousins.

During that time, he did NOT intend to join a football academy. Rather, Didier was of the idea that he would only play football for fun. Two things changed his mind, and the first is his love for French football jerseys.

As a child, Didier Deschamps’ parents spoilt him with France jerseys, and he never misses watching the France team on television.

As watching TV and wearing these jerseys became a learned behaviour, the youngster gradually conceived the idea of going professional.

Didier Deschamps Football Story – Early Career Life:

Initially, the youngster agreed with his parents to sign for the local club – Genêts d’Anglet.

In the last minutes, Didier Deschamps rejected signing there,  a feat that made his Dad and Mum dumbfounded. He claimed that no extremely successful footballer has come out of the club.

Following that, the Future French manager – while still at school – decided he would start his football career at the amateur club, Aviron Bayonnais.

He began playing as a defensive midfielder for the local academy – which has close proximity to his family home.

Didier Deschamps – in his early days – showed lots of commitment, both on and off the pitch. Those who knew him back then, including his family members, were convinced that he would go places and play at the very highest level.

Even before he became a professional, a dozen of clubs had begun chasing for his signature.

With many agreements broken, young Didier (age 15) responded to the invitation of FC Nantes, whose football scouts invited him to come watch their match.

Alongside his parents (Pierre and Ginette), Didier visited the academy and was impressed with the training centre in La Jonelière.

That approval made the Basque talent move to Nantes in the summer of 1982 – finally signing for them in April 1983.

Responding to the media on why he choose Nantes, young Didier said;

My parents were overly excited about the club’s facilities – but they still let me choose.

I opted for the Nantes because this club gave me certainties at school level 6.

Didier Deschamps Life with Nantes:

After only two years with the academy, the youngster became famous for being one of the best of his age group.

In Didier’s head, things were now well defined and all he wanted was to get his first professional contract.

In other to concentrate on his goals, Didier Deschamps’ parents approved him to live on the fringes – far away from home distractions.

While staying with a host family, he often locks himself in his room after he returned from training.

Didier hung on with his dreams – even though he over pushed himself – making lots of sacrifices.

The youngster never complains so as not to panic his parents. In the end, he got used to such life – even becoming the most studious academy footballer at Nantes.

Bonding with his Best Friend:

While with Nantes, young Didier rubbed shoulders with Marcel Desailly – his best friend and teammate. Pictured below, both Lads were the type who never allow each other to wander in the dark alone.

This French defender (Marcel Desailly), widely considered as the greatest centre-backs to ever play football later become Didier Deschamps’ teammate in Marseille and Chelsea.

Life as a Professional Footballer:

Deschamps graduated from academy football in the year 1985 – making his league debut on 27 September of that year.

In addition to playing football, he also multitasked with his school – by preparing and passing his Baccalauréat. He polished his learning with the ball.

After two years of presence in Nantes, his performances in the club’s reserve team convinced Nantes first-team coach, Jean-Claude Suaudeau, to promote him. He integrated Didier with the Nantes senior team at the dawn of the 1985-1986 season.

In 1987, the protégé of Suaudeau rose so high in his central defensive gameplay, a feat that earned him the captain position at the tender age of 19.

During that time, young Didier evolved so greatly and top clubs all over France began begging for his signature.

Didier Deschamps Biography – Career Story:

With a great appetite for victories and to take his career to another level, the young Nantes captain in 1989 accepted a four-year deal with Olympique de Marseille.

With his new club, Deschamps continued to be that intelligent and hard-working defensive midfielder who excelled at winning back possession.

Subsequently, he started making attacking plays, a feat that made him score great goals.

As a defensive midfielder, Didier Deschamps had the appetite for scoring long-range goals. Below is a video of one of such long-range goals he scored while at Olympique de Marseille.

With Didier Deschamps in the team, OM coasted through several victories – even in Europe. In addition to the manager winning two Ligue 1 titles (1990 and 1992), Didier was part of the Marseille squad that made French history.

Did you know?… At the time of writing Didier Deschamps’ Biography, Marseille remains the only French club to have won the UEFA Champions League. Pictured here, Didier was a vital part of that Marseille squad.

The 1992–93 UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan is indeed memorable, and it holds a special place in Didier Deschamps’ History.

Did you know?… Jordan and Andre Ayew‘s Dad (Abedi Pele) was part of that  Marseille team that won the UCL title.

To understand what really happened that day, watch this UEFA documentary of the Marseille Vs AC Milan 1993 FINAL.

Juventus Success Story:

Deschamps decided he would open a new chapter in his Life after a memorable six years (1989 to 1994) stay with Olympique de Marseille.

In 1994, the Defensive midfielder joined the Italian club Juventus, with whom he won one Coppa Italia, three Serie A titles, and two Italian Supercups.

On the European scale, he won his second Champions League title, the UEFA Super Cup, and an Intercontinental Cup in 1996.

Behold a video of Didier Deschamps in his glory days with the Old Lady, a feat that got him yet again, wanted by a number of top European clubs.

French Football Success:

Receiving his first France call-up from Michel Platini (in 1989), Deschamps started his international career in what was a dark time for French football. During that period, France experienced disappointment as they failed to qualify for the World Cup in both 1990 and 1994.

The country – thanks to a host of superstars like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps captained France as they won that global tournament on home soil in Paris. Lilian Thuram, the father of Marcus Thuram and Khephren, was part of the winning team.

Watch the video of the memorable final of France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup. It was a really sad day for Brazil’s main superstars – the likes of Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima and Rivaldo.

Euro 2000 Success Story:

Propelled by the momentum of this 1998 triumph, Didier Deschamps also captained France as they once again won another international tournament. It is no other than the Euro 2000.

Watch the video of the memorable Euro 2000 final where Didier led France to defeat the almighty Italy who had stars like Paolo Maldini, Del Piero and Francisco Totti.

Securing victory in the prestigious European tournament granted France the honor of becoming the first national team since West Germany in 1974 to simultaneously hold both the World Cup and Euro titles.

Unfortunately, this feat was surpassed by Xavi Hernandes and Andreas Iniesta‘s Spain side between the years 2008–2012. After the Euro 2000 tournament, Deschamps announced his retirement from international football.

Chelsea Success Story:

After his spell with Juventus, Didier Deschamps made his way to England by joining Chelsea FC – in the year 1999. Tim Weah‘s Dad – George Weah (age 32), John Terry (age 18) and his best friend, Marcel Desailly, were all on that Chelsea team.

During his tenure with the London powerhouse, the legendary Deschamps clinched the 1999–2000 FA Cup, marking the final match held at Wembley Stadium before reconstruction work commenced. Behold Didier together with his teammates as they celebrate that victory.

While at Chelsea, Didier Deschamps wore the legendary number 7 shirt, which was later worn by the likes of Andriy Shevchenko. Here is a Goal he scored for the great London club.

The Valencia Retirement:

Approaching the age of 31, Didier Deschamps decided to give another push in his career. This time, he signed a year contract with the Spanish football club, Valencia.

With the Los murciélagos, the Legendary defensive midfielder excelled as he helped them reach the 2001 UEFA Champions League Final.

Didier Deschamps fought tooth and nail to help the club lift the trophy, but couldn’t – as Bayern Munich had the edge.

After his failed attempt to help Valencia secure a Champions League trophy, Didier Descamps began contemplating retirement. Behold, in the middle of 2001, the Bayonne native retired from Football.

Didier Deschamps Biography – Managerial Story:

After retiring from the beautiful game, the multiple UEFA Champions League winner went into football management. Didier Deschamps’ first appointment was in France’s Ligue 1 – as the head coach of Monaco.

Under the guidance of the football manager, the club secured the Coupe de la Ligue title in 2003 and reached their inaugural UEFA Champions League final in 2004. This is Deschamps in a happy trophy celebration moment – with his Monaco boys.

The manager resigned from his Monaco duties on the 19th day of September 2005 – after a disagreement with the club’s president.

Juventus Managerial Success Story:

Following the resignation of Fabio Capello in the wake of the match-fixing scandal, Didier Deschamps was named head coach of the Italian club.

In that 2006–07 season, Didier helped his former club win the Serie B title. This accomplishment heralded Juventus’ return to Serie A after their relegation stemming from their involvement in the 2006 Calciopoli Scandal. Witness the manager celebrating alongside Juventus faithful.

On 26 May 2007, several media outlets in Italy reported that Deschamps had resigned as Juventus manager, following several clashes he had with the club’s management.

Marseille Managerial Success Story:

On 5 May 2009, it was announced in the French media that Deschamps would be named manager of Marseille.

That news finally came to pass and in his first season, Didier made the club win their first Ligue 1 title since they last won it 18 years ago.

Asides from the Ligue 1 title, Didier in his Marseille reign also won the Coupe de la Ligue (three times) and the Trophée des Champions – on two separate occasion.

French Football Team Success Story:

On 8 July 2012, Deschamps following the resignation of Laurent Blanc, was appointed as head coach of France.

Under his guidance, the French national team reached the quarter-finals of the Brazilian-hosted 2014 FIFA World Cup, the final of UEFA Euro 2016, and secured victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ triumph in 2018 marked him as the third individual to achieve the feat of winning the FIFA World Cup both as a player (Defensive Midfielder) and as a manager.

More so, alongside Mário Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer, the Bayonne native became the second person to do so as captain.

Following his 2018 World Cup victory, he spoke with the Parisian that “There are still great things to do“.

Behold, at the time of writing Didier Deschamps Biography, he has just led France to another major honour – the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy.

Yes, Deschamps is among the most successful managers in football history. He has paid his dues in the business of soccer and winning the 2022 FIFA World cup would cement his legacy as the most successful in the sport. The rest, as we say of his Bio, is now history.

Didier Deschamps Love Life:

The legendary manager is a happily married man. In this section of Didier Deschamps’ Biography, we’ll tell more about the relationship with his former girlfriend and now wife. She goes by the name Claude Deschamps – formerly Claude Antoinette.

How Didier Deschamps met his future wife, Claude:

The couple met in Nantes, where she was pursuing her studies to become a speech therapist. Claude was 20 at that time while Didier was 18 – two years younger than her.

Both lovers started out as best friends and then boyfriends and girlfriends. Didier Deschamps actually started dating Claude Antoinette during his career early days – when he was 18 years old. At that time, the Water carrier had just graduated from Nantes academy.

Very discreet about his private life, Didier Deschamps and his wife Claude have now been together for over thirty-five years. Their meeting was a true “love at first sight” and Claude – who became passionate about football – followed Didier everywhere football took him.

Didier Deschamps Wedding:

Claude dated her man up till the late 1980s. When the time got right (in the 1990s), Didier Deschamps parents (Pierre and Ginette) blessed and approved the union between their beloved son and Claude Antoinette.

In 1989, the Nantes midfielder popped the “WILL YOU MARRY ME QUESTION” and their wedding followed in front of their parents and family members.

Since their marriage, both Didier and Claude Antoinette have lived a blissful life together, with no disputes and arguments.

They endured for six months before becoming parents of a beautiful baby boy whom they named Dylan Deschamps – born on May 16, 1996.

Relationship between Didier and Dylan Deschamps:

First thing first, the first grandson of Pierre and Ginette (his paternal grandparents) is an adorable boy.

A cute looking Dylan Deschamps, pictured here as a child, is the first son of Didier and Claude. As observed, both father and son look very much alike.

Dylan Deschamps had a splendid childhood – simply because of his Dad (Didier) and Mum (Claude) presence at every important stage in his life.

As a child, it appears he loved big teddies and often liked his parents taking him out to Disney.

Dylan Deschamps – witnessing his Dad’s Success:

As a boy, he witnessed the meaning of having successful parents, especially a father who was often followed by the media.

Asides from attending football red carpet moments with his beloved Dad and Mum, Dylan’s best moment was joining his family to celebrate trophies.

The greatest Euphoria of happiness and joy for Dylan DID NOT come at the time his Dad won the UEFA Champions League trophies.

Rather, when Didier led Paul Pogba‘s France to win the 2018 FIFA world cup. It was indeed an unforgettable moment for his family.

It is pertinent to note that Dylan is so lucky to have a Water Carrier Dad. The boy was only two years old when his father, Didier Deschamps, lifted the 1998 World Cup. Again, only four years old when the Blues won Euro 2000 with his father as captain.

Now, twenty years after these two Historic victories, Dylan Deschamps, now grown-up currently live with a similar passion.

This comes as his Dad led France to win the 2018 World Cup and the UEFA Nations League in 2021.

Personal Life outside Football:

Away from everything that has to do with his career, we’ll use this Biography section to unveil the manager’s personality. Without further ado, let us begin.

The first fact about Didier Deschamps is as follows; He is someone who lives a refreshingly humble life – one centred around the love for his family and physical wellbeing.

Didier is someone who is never shy and does, in excess, a public display of his love to his beloved wife, Claude Antoinette Deschamps.

On several occasions, we have spotted him kissing her (seriously in public), even to the envy of fans.

Didier Deschamps is a true family man and this video explains the love he has for members of his household.

Didier Deschamps Workout Routing:

The football manager’s physical condition – even in his 50s – is very much intact.

Didier is the type of person who loves to get the most out of our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress. Have you noticed his six-pack even at his old age?

Didier Deschamps Hobby:

Away from everything football, the celebrated coach sticks to his favourite diversion. In case you didn’t know, Didier Deschamps’ hobby is volleyball. Watch him play here.

Didier Deschamps Lifestyle:

In this section, we’ll show you the manager’s assets and some other things he spends his money on.

Since his youthful days, Didier had in him the enjoyment of driving and as well as owing BMW brand of cars. This is Didier Deschamps car – back in the days.

Also on Didier Deschamps’ Lifestyle, he and Claude are the type who prefer to live in big sized bungalow houses surrounded by trees.

The family owns most of these houses around Europe. This particular one of Didier Deschamps’ houses is in Valencia, Spain.

Didier Deschamps Family Life:

A fact always remains that the road to stardom wouldn’t have been as palatable if not for the help and support of his household – especially his wife, Claude.

Here in Didier Deschamps Biography, we’ll tell you facts about his family. Let’s start with his Dad, Pierre.

About Didier Deschamps Father:

Pierre is best described as a retired professional painter who worked with the Departmental Directorates of Equipment (DDE) in France. He is a lifelong supporter of his son, a man that never influenced, but gave Didier the freedom to choose his career path.

To date, one of the worst moments of Pierre Deschamps’ life was witnessing the death of a very important family member.

His eldest son, Philippe (Didier Deschamps brother) died in a plane crash around December 1987. That period was Pierre’s worst moment of grief.

Pierre Deschamps, the father of Didier Deschamps these days, live happily with his wife and his only surviving son, who has done a lot to wipe away his tears.

About Didier Deschamps Mother:

Ginette, the retired wool seller, is in her 70s – at the time of writing this Biography. Pictured below, we simply referred her to as a home builder who loves to be in the company of her precious son and grandson, Dylan.

About Didier Deschamps Brother:

Philippe is his name, and he is the eldest son of Ginette and Pierre. His death is the greatest tragedy suffered by the Deschamps family.

The saddest thing about the time of Philippe Deschamps’ death was that – it was almost Christmas when the crash happened.

Didier was only 19 and had just graduated from Nantes academy at the time of his older brother’s death.

Although the years have passed, and time is doing its job, but Didier Deschamps’ family still can’t let go of the pain. Behold, the crash site where Philippe died.

About Mathilde Savor Cappelaere, Didier Deschamps Relative:

We simply know her as his daughter-in-law and wife to his first son, Dylan. Mathilde Cappelaere is an entrepreneur by profession.

She and Dylan met in August 2017, at the time they did their MSc at EDHEC Business School in Nice, France.

Mathilde Cappelaere graduated in 2018 in the course; marketing and finance. She and Dylan Deschamps presently live in London.

She is the owner of Capp Travel experience (a travel agency) and Etincel Collection (a jewellery company).

Without a doubt, the only child of Didier Deschamps is truly in love with the latest addition of the family – Mathilde Cappelaere.

About Didier Deschamps Cousin:

Nathalie Tauziat is her name, and she is a retired French former professional tennis player. She was born in Tauziat, Bangui, Central African Republic. Nathalie Tauziat lived there with her parents for the first eight years of her life.

Destiny had it that the week after Nathalie Tauziat reached the final of Wimbledon – on the 4th of July 1998, her cousin’s brother, Didier Deschamps, did the unthinkable. He had just led France to win the World Cup on 12 July 1998.

Didier Deschamps Facts:

In this last section of the Manager’s Biography, we’ll tell you more truths about him. Without wasting none of your time, let’s begin.

Didier Deschamps Salary Breakdown:

According to 2018 figures published by the Dutch media ZoominTV, the French manager earns 3.4 million euros every year – from the French Football Federation.

Where Didier Deschamps comes from, the average French citizen earning 49,500 EUR per year would need 69 years to make his annual salary with France.

About Didier Deschamps Teeth:

At the age of 50, the manager fulfilled a vow by unveiling a brand new dentition. Surprisingly, Didier got annoyed when a journalist asked him to answer a question about his new teeth. He responded saying;

It’s only my business, I don’t want to talk about it. It’s my private life, so I don’t have to comment, say why or how. I’m not looking for the buzz.

Didier Deschamps Religion:

His parents – Pierre and Ginette – raised him in adherence to the Catholic Christianity faith. They made him attend Saint-Bernard Catholic College, an independent secondary school owned and run by Catholic religious orders. Didier Deschamps Religion is Christianity.

EndNote:

Didier Deschamps was born to parents named Pierre and Ginette. The Manager’s father was a house painter, while his mother was a wool saleswoman.

As a child, he was gifted in different sports but choose football thanks to his love for watching matches and wearing French soccer jerseys.

The future football manager grew up in France’s green countryside of Basque. Bayonne is the place of Didier Deschamps family origin and he was born and raised as a Catholic. Didier Deschamps Brother is Philippe. He died in a plane crash in the year 1987.

The football manager got married to his beautiful girlfriend named Claude. Formerly Claude Antoinette, she now bears the name Claude Deschamps.

Together, both lovers have a son, named Dylan. Dyclan married to Mathilde Cappelaere, who is Didier Deschamps’ daughter-in-law.

The Football manager had an illustrious professional career. Following Franz Beckenbauer and preceding Iker Casillas, Didier Deschamps remains the second captain in football history to achieve three notable feats. Lift the Champions League, World Cup, and the European Championship trophy.

Used successfully during the 2018 World Cup, we see Didier Deschamps’ asymmetric 4-3-1-2 formation is one of the biggest secrets to his success.

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