August 20 – After leading France’s Olympic men’s team to a silver medal, Thierry Henry has quit the under-21 coaching role citing personal reasons.
All-time leading goalscorer for Arsenal, Henry took over the French side last summer and was under contract until June 2025 but decided to step away despite leading his country to the Olympic final on August 9, losing 5-3 to Spain after extra time.
“I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo for giving me this incredible opportunity,” said Henry, 47, in an FFF statement.
“Winning an Olympic silver medal for my country will remain one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff and the fans for giving me this magical experience.”
Diallo thanked the 1998 World Cup winner for “all the work he accomplished as coach of the Espoirs (under-21s) and Olympic sides”.
“We obviously regret this decision, as Thierry was able to achieve the objectives set for him. Having followed him throughout this campaign, I witnessed first-hand his great professionalism, his rigour and his love for the blue jersey.”
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