Former France international Thierry Henry has defended his remarks to Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, insisting that the exchange was intended as a joke rather than an attempt to disrespect the young star.
Henry faced criticism after asking Yamal whether winning the Kopa Trophy for a third consecutive time was the award he had really wanted, drawing attention to the Barcelona forward’s failure to win the main Ballon d’Or prize.
Yamal won the award for the world’s best young player at Monday’s ceremony in London but missed out on the overall men’s prize, which went to England captain Harry Kane.
In a video shared on social media on Tuesday, Henry said he had no intention of challenging Yamal’s ego or diminishing his achievement. He explained that he asked the question because the main award was still to be announced.
Henry also expressed admiration for the 19-year-old, describing him as one of the players he would willingly pay to watch.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker acknowledged that some viewers might not have found the joke amusing but urged them not to interpret it as an attack on the teenager.
Henry also addressed criticism over a separate exchange with co-presenter Kate Scott involving the pronunciation of the late Brazilian football legend Sócrates’ name. He maintained that Scott had been aware of the joke and had participated in it.
The incidents generated mixed reactions online, with some viewers criticising Henry’s approach while others considered the exchanges harmless humour.
Henry concluded his response by reiterating his respect for both Yamal and Scott and rejecting claims that he had deliberately sought to embarrass either of them.
