Former France boss Michel Hidalgo dies at the age of 87

Michel Hidalgo, who led France to their first major title at Euro 1984, has died at the age of 87, the French Football Federation has announced.

Hidalgo managed France between 1976 and 1984 and also served as technical director of the national team from 1982 to 1986.

France lost a 1982 World Cup semi-final to Germany on penalties under Hidalgo before winning Euro 1984 on home soil two years later.

“Today we learn with immense sadness and deep emotion of the death of Michel Hidalgo,” FFF president Noel Le Graet said on the official Federation website.

“The Federation, our football is in mourning. Michel Hidalgo is one of the biggest names in French football.

“He made history in international football with the first major title won by our French team.

“Through his philosophy of play, his personality, his exemplary passion, he contributed to the influence of our sport on the international level and to its popularity in France.

“He was able to provide us with emotions that are etched and will remain etched. He will remain in our memories as a symbol, a coach, a benchmark coach, lover of beautiful play, close to the players.

“He was a man of great and beautiful humanity, a person very rare that I had the pleasure of knowing. On behalf of the French Football Federation and all of French football I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Hidalgo was born in Normandy in March 1933 and played for Le Havre, Reims and Monaco in a distinguished 14-year playing career between 1952 and 1966.

The midfielder scored in Reims’ European Cup final defeat to Real Madrid in 1956 and won three Ligue 1 titles, at Reims in 1955 and with Monaco in 1961 and 1963.

Hidalgo also won the Coupe de France twice at Monaco, in 1960 and 1963, but his international playing career was limited to just one appearance in 1962.

In one of the tournament’s greatest-ever games, France drew 3-3 in the 1982 semi-final with West Germany before losing 5-4 on penalties.

It was a cruel irony that goalkeeper Harald Schumacher proved the German shoot-out hero when he should have been sent off for rushing out of his goal and leaving Patrick Battiston unconscious with a reckless challenge.

But, two years later, Hidalgo became a national hero as his exciting side featuring the famous midfield of Michel Platini, Alain Giresse and Jean Tigana became European champions.

After Euro 1984 and being named European manager of the year, he passed the reins over to Henri Michel but stayed on as technical director of the national team until 1986.

Hidalgo spent five years as Marseille director of football before ending his career in 1991.

“With unparalleled kindness and benevolence, Michel Hidalgo will leave a big void,” Marseille posted on their official Twitter account.

“Olympique de Marseille extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”