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France football coach and former Ivory Coast manager Jean-Louis Gasset has died at the age of 72; his former club Montpellier HSC announced on Friday.
“A child of the club, he left a mark on everyone he met with his professionalism, kindness, and passion for passing on knowledge,” Montpellier said in a statement, adding that it had “lost one of its emblematic figures”.
Gasset spent the majority of his career as a member of the Montpellier club, where he was born. Before returning for three stints as head coach, most recently last season, he spent ten years as a midfielder, making 231 league appearances between 1975 and 1985.
“Our sorrow is immense when we remember his smile, his unmistakable voice, and his sharp turn of phrase,” the club said.
Gasset’s main success as Montpellier coach came with victory in the 1999 Intertoto Cup. He was also widely known for his long partnership as assistant coach to Laurent Blanc.
The pair worked together at Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain, and with the France national football team between 2010 and 2012.
“A football encyclopedia has left us. Thank you for everything, and rest in peace,” said France captain and former PSG striker Kylian Mbappe.
French football federation president Philippe Diallo credited Gasset with helping revive the national team after disappointing performances at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.
“French football today loses one of its great servants. Jean-Louis left a mark on entire generations,” said Diallo.
“He was a true lover of the game… he also helped, alongside Laurent Blanc as head coach, to guide the French national team back toward its greatest successes.”
Gasset also coached several other French clubs, including Saint-Etienne and Marseille.
He was appointed coach of the Ivory Coast national football team for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations but resigned midway through the tournament. Ivory Coast went on to win the competition on home soil.
“A man of duty and principle, he left his mark on the Ivory Coast staff through his expertise, his professional rigour, and his commitment to serving football,” said the Ivorian football federation.
