In the world of sports, there are moments that transcend matches, and for Felix Dalmas, those moments are intertwined with the history of Cambodian football.

As the former head coach of the Cambodian national football team, Felix’s connection to the game runs deep. Recently, he shared a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his time leading the team and urging everyone involved to continue protecting and elevating Cambodian football with passion and commitment.

Dalmas, who led the Kouprey – as the Kingdom’s national team is known – to a historic achievement in 2019, expressed pride in the part he played in a pivotal chapter in the country's football journey. 

Under his leadership, the Cambodian team made it to the semifinals of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines, a first for the country. His tenure also saw remarkable results in AFF Championship qualifiers, sparking a wave of renewed pride among local football fans.

“This time around, we elevated Cambodian football. We have been undefeated in home games for a year and have held our ground against very strong rivals in away games. We opened the doors to naturalizing foreign players. We gave opportunities and developed local coaches. We brought Cambodian football closer to its true potential with a clear playing ideology,” he wrote.

“The team is on the precipice of a turning point and will only continue to grow with the flourishing Cambodian talent,” he added. 

His message echoed a sentiment of continuity, urging the Cambodian football community to remain committed to safeguarding national pride – represented by both the flag and the sport itself.

"Everyone involved has a bright future ahead," Dalmas continued, acknowledging the hard work of players, coaches, and supporters who have all contributed to the country's progress. 

"I am proud to have been a part of Cambodian football history, and I look forward to seeing what Cambodia will do next. Thank you to the staff who took the responsibility of advancing Cambodia’s fútbol seriously throughout many training camps: you have a wonderful future ahead of you,” he said.

“Thank you to the players who gave their all and fought and believed in our type of football: keep defending the Cambodian colours with your passion, talent, and spirit,” he added. 

Felix’s coaching stint was not without challenges. Despite his successes, he faced heavy criticism from fans in recent months after the national team’s disappointing performances following his return as head coach in April 2023. This led to his contract being officially terminated by the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) in September 2024.

While his departure marked the end of an era, the legacy he leaves behind is undeniable. His efforts to foster local talent and integrate foreign players into the national team helped elevate the standard of play in Cambodia. 

During his tenure, Cambodia had an undefeated home record for over a year, competing fiercely with top teams across the region, both at home and abroad. The changes he brought to the Cambodian football landscape also included nurturing local coaching talent, which he believes is crucial for the sport's future in the country.

Dalmas also expressed deep gratitude to the fans who supported him throughout his journey.

“Thank you to all the people who believed in us and supported us until the very end: all the best to you, my dear Cambodian football,” he wrote.

Despite his departure, Dalmas remains optimistic about Cambodia's footballing future. He believes the country is on the right path and that with the continued development of its players, Cambodia will rise to greater heights.

I’ll keep supporting the good people who are working to make Cambodian football better. Good luck and all the best to you all,” he added.

Since the end of his contract, several fans have even expressed hope that he could return to Cambodian football in the future, either as a coach or in some other capacity. One fan, named Sao Vathana, shared his thoughts, saying, "I’ve been inspired by Felix's leadership since the 2019 SEA Games, and I would love to see him return to Cambodia’s football scene, whether as a coach or in a role with a top Cambodian club."

As the national team moves forward under the leadership of new head coach Koji Kyotoku, the departed Argentinian’s message serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on the course of a nation's sporting history. 

The journey of Cambodian football is far from over, and while Dalmas may have stepped away from the sidelines, his influence and love for the game will undoubtedly remain a part of the sport's ever-growing story in Cambodia.

“Until football brings us together again,” he concluded.