The world of football is in mourning following the death of former Ivory Coast national team coach, Jean-Louis Gasset. The veteran French manager passed away at the age of 72 on Boxing Day, December 26.
A Football Life Dedicated to Montpellier
Gasset's passing was confirmed by his long-time club, Montpellier HSC, where he spent the majority of his playing and coaching career. The club's president, Laurent Nicollin, described the loss as a huge blow, highlighting Gasset's deep roots with the team; his father was one of the club's founders.
In a heartfelt statement, Montpellier remembered Gasset as a remarkable ambassador for its youth academy, whose influence reached major European clubs like Paris-Saint-Germain, Espanyol Barcelona, and Olympique de Marseille. He also served as an assistant to Laurent Blanc with the France national team.
"Today, the Montpellier club has lost one of its iconic figures," the statement read. "Our sadness is immense when we recall his smile, his inimitable voice, and his sharp sense of phrasing." The club noted that his son, Robin, currently an assistant manager at Montpellier, is particularly affected.
Controversial AFCON Exit and Later Career
Gasset's tenure as the head coach of the Ivory Coast national team, the Elephants, ended abruptly during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He was controversially sacked after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Ivorian team, after his departure, progressed as one of the best third-placed teams and went on to win the tournament under the guidance of interim coach Emerse Fae.
Following his AFCON exit, Gasset returned to France and took charge of Olympique de Marseille in February 2024 after the dismissal of Gennaro Gattuso. However, his stint at the club lasted only four months. He subsequently rejoined Montpellier last season but was dismissed in April following the club's relegation from Ligue 1.
Football World Pays Tribute
Tributes have poured in from across the football community. Olympique de Marseille expressed "immense sadness," calling Gasset a respected figure, an experienced technician, and a man committed to the sport's human values.
Paris Saint-Germain stated that "French football is in mourning," while AS Saint-Étienne remembered him as "the man in the cap, a wise man with a sincere smile."
The cause of Jean-Louis Gasset's death has not been publicly disclosed. His passing comes just days after the death of another football legend, Scotland's John Robertson, who also died at age 72.
