French football coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who led Ivory Coast at the start of their home Africa Cup of Nations campaign last year, has passed away at the age of 72.
Tributes poured in from former clubs, national teams, and players who worked under Gasset, reflecting his wide influence in the game. After stepping down from his role with Ivory Coast during the tournament, he was appointed Marseille manager for the closing stages of the 2023–24 season following the sacking of Gennaro Gattuso.
Gasset’s most recent role was as head coach of Montpellier, a position he left by mutual agreement in April.
The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed his death in an official statement, describing it as a major loss to both Ivorian and global football. Federation president Yacine Idriss Diallo praised Gasset as an experienced and principled coach whose professionalism, tactical knowledge, and dedication left a lasting impact on the Elephants.
Marseille forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, currently representing Gabon at the Africa Cup of Nations, also paid tribute to his former manager, sharing a brief video and message on social media thanking Gasset and honoring his memory.
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Tributes have been paid to Jean-Louis Gasset, who has died aged 72.
In addition to three spells with his boyhood club Montpellier—where he spent a decade as a player between 1975 and 1985—Jean-Louis Gasset managed several French sides during a 27-year coaching career, including Caen, Saint-Étienne and Bordeaux.
Working as Laurent Blanc’s assistant at Bordeaux from 2007 to 2010, Gasset helped secure a domestic treble. The pair later reunited with the French national team and at Paris Saint-Germain, where they guided the club to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and French Cup victories in both 2015 and 2016.
Montpellier paid tribute to Gasset, highlighting his unique journey as a player, coach and head coach across three different periods at the club. Describing him as a true product of Montpellier, the club praised his professionalism, generosity and passion for sharing knowledge, calling him one of its most iconic figures.
Saint-Étienne also honoured their former manager, crediting him for leading the club to a fourth-place Ligue 1 finish and European qualification, and acknowledging his lasting contribution to their history.
Gasset was appointed Ivory Coast head coach in May 2022 following the departure of Patrice Beaumelle, but stepped down in January 2024 after a disappointing group-stage showing at the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. Despite this, favourable results allowed the hosts to progress as one of the best third-placed teams, with assistant coach Emerse Faé taking charge.
Under Faé, Ivory Coast went on to produce one of the most memorable AFCON triumphs, rallying the nation as they defeated Senegal, Mali and DR Congo before overcoming Nigeria in an emotional final in Abidjan.
Ivory Coast striker Sébastien Haller previously spoke warmly of Gasset, describing him as a grandfather-like figure within the squad—calm, kind and always willing to listen.
