France’s triumph in the 1998 FIFA World Cup final on home soil remains one of the most defining moments in the country’s footballing history.

Not only was it Les Bleus’ first-ever World Cup title, but it also carried deep cultural significance. Under the guidance of coach Aimé Jacquet, a diverse and multiracial French squad united a divided nation. The thrilling 3-1 victory over Brazil at the Stade de France ignited euphoric celebrations across the country, none greater than the massive gathering of supporters along the Champs-Élysées.

Youri Djorkaeff, a vital member of that squad, believes that the team’s unity, confidence, and one spontaneous choice he made during the final were instrumental in shaping the most memorable night in French football history.

For the former Monaco, Inter Milan, and Bolton Wanderers player, France’s success in 1998 was the result of years of growth and preparation.

“By that time, we had become a truly united dressing room, one that had learned from its earlier mistakes,” Djorkaeff told FourFourTwo when asked about the foundation of France’s first World Cup victory.

“We had been criticised heavily – the federation, the coach, and several players all faced scrutiny. So, we made a pact to build our own destiny: if we failed, it would be on us; if we succeeded, it would be our victory. We wanted to achieve something historic.”

“We stopped reading newspapers and avoided media distractions, focusing only on our football. In 1996, we reached the semi-finals of the European Championship, but losing to the Czech Republic on penalties was a major disappointment.”

He continued, “We weren’t ready to win then, but we learned from it and prepared meticulously for the World Cup. We had already convinced ourselves we would win it. During Christmas in 1997, the federation organised a team trip to the Alps. Initially, I refused; I told the coach that I only got one week off in summer and another in winter, and I wanted to spend that time with my family. But he insisted. After an hour on that trip, I realised how vital it was for building team spirit. That experience was the beginning of our success in 1998.”

Youri’s father, Jean Djorkaeff, who earned 48 caps for France, played a major role in shaping his son’s career. Yet, ahead of the final, the elder Djorkaeff knew his son didn’t need any special advice.

“My father was close to me throughout my career. We always shared a special bond,” Djorkaeff recalled. “But on that occasion, he didn’t tell me anything specific because he knew we were ready for the challenge.”

One of the defining moments of the final came in first-half stoppage time. France, leading 1-0 against Brazil, were awarded a corner. Djorkaeff made a split-second decision that would become pivotal — he stepped up to take the corner, which was then headed home by Zinedine Zidane for his second goal of the night.

“Unbelievable,” Djorkaeff said when asked about providing the assist. “I never usually took corners for France — on the left it was Emmanuel Petit, and on the right it was Zidane. After Zinedine scored the first header, there was another corner that was supposed to be his as well. But I told him, ‘No, no, let me take this one, you stay in the box.’”

“I took responsibility. I had the trust of my teammates and the coach. It proved to be the right decision — sometimes in life, you have to act instinctively without overthinking. The celebration parade on the Champs-Élysées afterwards was absolute madness.”