Thierry Henry

Lore & Background

Henry is a two-time winner of the European Golden Shoe. He was a runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 2003 and for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. He was named the FWA Footballer of the Year a record three times, the PFA Players' Player of the Year twice, and made the PFA Team of the Year six consecutive times. He was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI once and the UEFA Team of the Year five times.

In 2004, Henry was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of greatest living players. Henry made his professional debut with Monaco in 1994 before signing for Juventus. Limited playing time, and disagreements with the club's hierarchy, led to him signing for Premier League club Arsenal for £10.5 million in 1999. Under long-time mentor and coach Arsène Wenger, Henry became a prolific striker and Arsenal's all-time leading scorer with 228 goals.

Generally viewed as Arsenal's best ever player, he won the Premier League Golden Boot four times, three FA Cups and two Premier League titles, most notably as a cornerstone of the unbeaten Invincible season, after achieving a historic 24 goals and 20 assists the season prior. Henry spent his final two seasons with Arsenal as captain, leading them to their first UEFA Champions League final. Henry transferred to Barcelona in 2007 and concluded his debut season as the club's top scorer.

In 2008–09, he was a key part of the club's historic treble when they won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League. Henry had notably combined with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o to become the most prolific trio in Spanish league history at the time, scoring 72 goals. In 2010, he joined Major League Soccer (MLS) club New York Red Bulls and returned to Arsenal on loan from January to February 2012, before retiring in 2014. Henry had success with France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2000, and 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.

He was named French Player of the Year a record five times, named in the UEFA Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament, awarded the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball and Golden Shoe, and named in the 2006 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. In 2007, he became his country's record goalscorer, a record he held until 2022. After 123 appearances and 51 goals, Henry retired from international football after the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After retiring, Henry transitioned into coaching.

Reader's Guide

Henry is a legendary striker known for his speed, technical ability, and composure. In-game, he excels as a forward with exceptional finishing and dribbling. His tactical intelligence makes him effective in build-up play and counter-attacks. Use him as a central striker or on the wing to exploit his pace and finesse shots.

Did You Know?

• Henry scored all six goals in a match at age 13, prompting Monaco to sign him without a trial.
• He was named French Young Footballer of the Year in 1996.
• Henry set a French record by scoring seven goals in the 1998–99 UEFA Champions League.
• He was made captain of Arsenal in November 2005, after Patrick Vieira had left for Juventus in July 2005.