Former France and Arsenal forward Thierry Henry has issued a strong defence of his role as co-host at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, hitting back at critics who accused him of being disrespectful towards Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, overall winner Harry Kane, and co-host Kate Scott.
The glittering ceremony, which crowned England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as the overall men’s Ballon d’Or winner and broke a 25-year drought for English football, was praised for its drama. However, Henry’s presenting style drew immediate criticism on social media and across various news outlets following a series of on-stage remarks that sparked fierce debate among football fans.
Addressing the Lamine Yamal Controversy
One of the focal points of the backlash centred on an exchange Henry had with Lamine Yamal. The young Spanish winger was recognised with his third successive young player of the year award. On stage, Henry teased the Barcelona prodigy by asking: "It’s your third one, right? But is it the one you really wanted to win?" The remark drew an audible reaction from the live audience.
“I’m a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn’t checking his ego at all – that you didn’t like the joke, I can understand. But don’t do that, he’s one of the players I’d pay to watch, I love him.”
— Thierry Henry, Ballon d’Or Co-Host
Clarifying the Exchange with Co-Host Kate Scott
Henry also took aim at reports that he had behaved rudely towards his CBS Sports colleague and co-host Kate Scott. Viewers expressed online outrage over an interaction concerning the pronunciation of Brazil legend Socrates’ name—an award won by Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka for his extensive humanitarian and charity work.
“You didn’t like the joke, I understand, but please stop saying I disrespected Kate. I will never do that and you can ask her, she was on the joke with me. She did Soc on purpose, and I said Soc, so please stop inventing stories.”
— Thierry Henry, Ballon d’Or Co-Host
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe Remarks
Rounding out his public statement, Henry addressed his candid admission that he had initially hoped fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe would claim the prestigious golden orb over England captain Harry Kane. Despite his patriotic preference, Henry was quick to laud Kane as a fully deserving recipient.
“I’m French and I was always going to back up and support my fellow countryman. I said to [Kane], ‘You are a worthy winner, you deserve it, you are the example that work ethic is a talent, working hard is a talent’. Well done, Harry Kane – and I call him Sir Harry Kane since the World Cup. So please, people out there, relax, relax.”
— Thierry Henry, Ballon d’Or Co-Host
Key Ballon d’Or Ceremony Controversies and Henry’s Response
| Ceremony Incident | Subject Involved | Thierry Henry’s Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Young Player Tease | Lamine Yamal | Purely a joke; expressed deep admiration for the player, calling him someone he would pay to watch. |
| Pronunciation Exchange | Kate Scott | Confirmed Scott was in on the joke regarding Socrates’ name and called for an end to false stories. |
| Winner Preference | Harry Kane & Kylian Mbappe | Acknowledged backing his compatriot Mbappe while praising Kane as a worthy winner whose work ethic is a talent. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Thierry Henry face criticism after the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
Thierry Henry faced criticism on social media for jokes he made directed at Lamine Yamal, an on-stage pronunciation exchange with co-host Kate Scott, and openly admitting he wanted Kylian Mbappe to win the main award over Harry Kane.
What did Thierry Henry say to Lamine Yamal?
Henry teased Lamine Yamal about winning his third consecutive young player of the year award, asking him if it was the trophy he really wanted to win. Henry later clarified it was merely a joke and that he is a massive fan of the Spanish youngster.
Did Thierry Henry disrespect co-host Kate Scott?
No. Henry firmly denied disrespecting Kate Scott, explaining that she was entirely in on the joke regarding the pronunciation of Socrates’ name and urged people to stop inventing stories.
What was Thierry Henry’s view on Harry Kane winning the Ballon d’Or?
Although Henry admitted he initially rooted for his fellow countryman Kylian Mbappe, he praised Harry Kane as a worthy winner and noted that Kane’s phenomenal work ethic serves as a true talent.
Sources & Official References
This report was compiled and verified using primary coverage and official statements from the following sports news outlets:
- Yahoo Sports Henry defends himself after Ballon d'Or criticism
- BBC Sport Henry defends himself after Ballon d'Or criticism
- Msn Henry responds to criticism over jokes as Ballon d’Or presenter
- Yardbarker 'Stop making up stories': Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane in the spotlight!…
- BBC Thierry Henry responds to backlash over Ballon d'Or comments – BBC
- Metro.co.uk Thierry Henry slammed for 'rude' comment to Kate Scott during Ballon d'Or…
