French football legend Jean-Louis Gasset has died at the age of 72.

French football legend and Montpellier icon Jean-Louis Gasset passed away on December 26 at the age of 72.

Jean-Louis Gasset, son of Bernard Gasset, one of the founders of Montpellier, played for the club for ten years during his playing career. During this time, he made 263 appearances for Montpellier, contributing 14 goals.

In July 1991, Gasset began his coaching career at Montpellier as an assistant coach. He later served as Montpellier's head coach three times, leading the team to the 1999 Intertoto Cup title and achieving a record of 32 wins, 20 draws, and 53 losses.

Besides Montpellier, Gasset also served as head coach or assistant coach at Caen, Paris Saint-Germain, Espanyol, Istres, Bordeaux, the French national team, Saint-Étienne, Ivory Coast, and Marseille. He is widely regarded as the golden partner of renowned French coach Laurent Blanc. During their time together, they won four Ligue 1 titles, two French Cup titles, four French League Cup titles, and five French Super Cup titles at Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain, and led the French national team to the quarterfinals of the 2012 European Championship.

Following Gasset's death, Montpellier immediately posted a tribute on social media platform X: "Today, the Montpellier club has lost an iconic figure. We are deeply saddened whenever we think of his smile, his unique voice, and his sharp wit."

Club president Laurent Nicolin and the entire club extend their deepest condolences to the family of Jean-Louis Gasset, especially his son Robin (assistant coach to current first-team manager Zoumaña Camara), daughter Coralie, mother Eliana, and all members of the Gasset family.

French Football Federation (FFF) President Philippe Diallo stated: “It is with profound sorrow that we learn of the passing of Jean-Louis Gasset. French football has lost a great contributor today. Jean-Louis influenced generations. He was not only a renowned and respected coach, but also a truly passionate, humane, charismatic, and dedicated individual who loved football. For decades, he passed on his values and passion for football to all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a player and coach, he will forever be closely linked to his beloved club, Montpellier. He also worked with national team coach Laurent Blanc, helping the French national team return to its former glory. On this deeply saddening day for French football, the FFF extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”