The French Football Federation (FFF) revealed on August 21, 2023, that Thierry Henry is the head coach for France’s U-21 team. Henry replaced Sylvain Ripoll after the French U-21 performed poorly in the 2023 European Under-21s. The retired French striker is coaching the Under-23 team for the ongoing Olympics and will hold the position until 2025.
Thierry Henry Solidifies His Legacy with Brand New Olympic Chapter
Thierry Henry accepted the role of leading the French U-21 team after being the assistant coach for Belgium in the 2022 World Cup. He debuted as the head coach for France’s U-21 team in a match against Denmark on September 7 last year, with France winning 4 to 1.
On July 24, France kicked off the Men’s Olympic football tournament with a 3-to-nil victory over the United States. Furthermore, they won their match against Guinea 1-0 on July 27. Their winning streak ended when the French national team suffered a devastating 0-3 loss to New Zealand. Their next match is a quarter-final game against Argentina on August 2.
Titi is renowned for his brilliant soccer-playing skills, leadership qualities, and extensive understanding of the soccer pitch. The French Olympic team will take full advantage of the wealth of experience Thierry Henry brings to the table.
The ongoing Olympics in Paris is a perfect stage for Henry to showcase his managerial abilities. Fans want to see the French Olympic team adopt some of Henry’s strategic play and ability to acclimate to different game situations.
Chelsea, Arsenal Stop Players from Joining France’s Olympic Soccer Team
The 46-year-old revealed the 25-man Olympic team representing France on June 3rd, 2024. The star-studded team includes notable footballers, such as Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Alexandre Lacazette.
Some French players could not meet selection as their clubs were against the idea. FIFA does not officially acknowledge the Olympic football tournament, allowing clubs to restrict their players from representing their countries in the international tournament. For example, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez, and Benoit Badiashile did not make their countries’ Olympic lists as Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresco, wanted to build his team and improve their play ahead of the incoming season starting August 17. Arsenal’s William Saleba would have made the cut; instead, he was delegated to represent France in the recently concluded Euro 2024 tournament.
Fans were eager to see Kylian Mbappe featured on France’s Olympic team. However, Real Madrid was not so keen on allowing him to play. Instead, the 25-year-old defended his country’s honor at Euro 2024.
Thierry shared his opinion about the PL giants stopping footballers from playing on the French Olympic team. He stated the last time he was rejected so much was back when he was at university. Reportedly, clubs are not even willing to negotiate and would decline offers right off the bat. However, the retired footballer declared how important the Olympics were to him and said he would give his all to bring victory to the team.
Thiery Henry in His Prime
Thierry Henry’s professional football career is filled with outstanding performances and stellar achievements. Born on August 17, 1977, Henry kicked off his career under the wings of AS Monaco when he was 17 years old. He grew quickly under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger and played a significant role in Monaco winning the Ligue 1 championship in the 1996/97 season.
He reconnected with Arsene Wenger in the EPL when Arsenal signed him in 1999. At Arsenal, Henry’s talent became internationally recognized. He became the club’s all-time top goal scorer with 228 goals. During his time with Arsenal, Titi won two EPL titles. One of them is the 2003/04 Cup, when the club did not lose a match and became “The Invincibles.”
El Doctor’s individual accomplishments include being a four-time EPL Golden Boot winner, a three-time FWA Footballer of the Year, a two-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and a two-time runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Later, Henry decided to explore a bit more and landed at FC Barcelona in 2007. He became a 2-time La Liga title winner and a UEFA Champions League winner. His performance at Camp Nou solidifies Thierry Henry’s status as one of soccer’s all-time greats.
Additionally, Titi achieved a lot during his time on the French national team. He scored three goals for France in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, contributing immensely to the team’s victory. Two years later, he and his teammates succeeded in bringing the UEFA European Championship home. Thierry is still his country’s all-time top goal scorer with 51 goals.
In 2010, Thierry Henry left Europe to play for the Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. Three years later, the Red Bulls won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, proving he was still in shape even towards the end of his career. Thierry Henry retired from professional soccer in 2014. His legacy, filled with excellence, determination, and numerous awards, inspires future footballers.
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