Portugal Colonial - Former Ivory Coast coach Gasset dies at 72

Gasset was linked with Montpellier, co-founded by his father, Bernard Gasset with Louis Nicollin, for most of his football life.

Born in Montpellier, he played 10 years for the club as a midfielder, racking up 231 league appearances between 1975 and 1985, before three spells as coach, most recently last season.

"A child of the club, he left a mark on everyone he met with his professionalism, kindness, and passion for passing on knowledge," the club said in a statement, adding that it has "lost one of its emblematic figures".

"Our sorrow is immense when we remember his smile, his unmistakable voice, and his sharp turn of phrase," the club said.

Gasset's only managerial success with Montpellier was the 1999 Intertoto Cup but he was also a long-time assistant to Laurent Blanc.

Together they worked at Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain as well as with the France 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 for his role in putting the national team back on track following dismal 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 other French teams, including Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux, and more recently Marseille.

He managed the Ivory Coast, at the last Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, resigning midway through a tournament the Elephants ultimately won 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.

T.Resende--PC