African and world football have been plunged into mourning following the death of former Cote d’Ivoire head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who passed away on Friday, December 26, at the age of 72.
The sad news was confirmed by French club Montpellier, where Gasset enjoyed a deep and enduring connection both as a player and later as a coach.
A respected tactician and one of the most influential figures in modern French football, Gasset’s career spanned several decades at the highest level of the game.
Born in Montpellier, Gasset was a former midfielder who spent almost his entire playing career at his boyhood club before transitioning into coaching.
He went on to manage several top French sides including Montpellier, Auxerre, Saint-Étienne and Olympique de Marseille.
However, he was perhaps best known for his long-standing partnership with former France international Laurent Blanc.
As Blanc’s trusted assistant, Gasset played a key role at Bordeaux, Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team.
His influence was particularly felt during Bordeaux’s historic 2008–2009 season, when the club won a memorable treble comprising Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue and the Trophée des Champions.
Gasset’s impact extended beyond Europe. In Africa, he took charge of the Côte d’Ivoire national team between 2022 and 2024, guiding the Elephants during a challenging period of transition.
He was dismissed after the group stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire after losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea.
He was replaced by Emerse Fae, who later guided the Elephants to clinch the ultimate having qualified as one of the third best teams.
Even in his later years, Gasset remained active in football, returning to Montpellier last season and briefly handling Marseille thereafter, underlining his enduring passion for the game.
Gasset leaves behind a rich legacy defined by professionalism, loyalty and deep football intelligence.
AfricaSoccer.com extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, former players, colleagues and the entire Ivorian and global football community.
