Jean-Louis Gasset, Legendary French Football Manager, Passes Away at 72
Montpellier, 12 January 2026 – Jean-Louis Gasset, the esteemed French football manager and former midfielder, died on 26 December 2025 at the age of 72. Born in Montpellier, he spent his career deeply rooted in French football, coaching top clubs and the Ivory Coast national team, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Career Overview
Gasset began his playing career at Montpellier, where he spent ten years as a midfielder before transitioning to coaching. He led Montpellier to UEFA Intertoto Cup victory in 1999 and held managerial roles at Caen, Istres, Saint-Étienne, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Ivory Coast. As an assistant to Laurent Blanc, he contributed to major successes at Bordeaux, PSG, and the French national team. His final stint was back at Montpellier in 2024–2025, though the club was relegated.
Key Achievements and Statistics
| Team | From-To | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montpellier | 1 July 1998 – 30 November 1999 | 68 | 24 | 17 | 27 | 35.29% |
| Saint-Étienne | 20 December 2017 – 30 June 2019 | 62 | 31 | 14 | 17 | 50.00% |
| Ivory Coast | 20 May 2022 – 24 January 2024 | 18 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 61.11% |
| Marseille | 20 February 2024 – 19 May 2024 | 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 47.37% |
| Total | – | 330 | 124 | 70 | 136 | 37.58% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jean-Louis Gasset’s most notable achievement?
Gasset’s most notable achievement was leading Ivory Coast to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title as assistant coach after his resignation. He also guided Saint-Étienne to fourth place in Ligue 1 and European qualification in 2018–2019.
Where did Gasset play during his career?
Gasset played his entire professional career as a midfielder at Montpellier HSC from 1975 to 1985, making over 260 appearances.
How did Gasset die?
The cause of Gasset’s death on 26 December 2025 was not publicly disclosed. He passed away in his hometown of Montpellier at the age of 72.