Thierry Henry clarifies comments at Ballon d'Or ceremony

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 28 Oct, 09:08 · Archive

Thierry Henry addressed criticism of remarks made during the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony on Monday.

Thierry Henry, co-host of the Ballon d'Or ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London on Monday, has addressed criticism of comments made during the two-hour awards show. The former Arsenal and France striker teased Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal about not yet winning the main Ballon d'Or trophy when Yamal collected the Young Talent of the Year award for the third consecutive year, asking if it was 'the one you really wanted to win'. Henry also corrected fellow presenter Kate Scott's pronunciation of Brazil legend Socrates, whose name is used for the award recognising the best humanitarian work by a footballer.

In an Instagram post, Henry clarified his remarks about Yamal, saying he was not questioning the 19-year-old's ego. 'I just thought that, as the third time that he's winning that trophy, I just asked him if that's the one that he really wanted,' Henry said. He emphasised that he is a fan of Yamal and that the real prize was still to come, though Yamal ultimately did not win the main award.

On the Socrates correction, Henry maintained his position. However, Andrew Downie, a Scottish author who wrote a book titled 'Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend', criticised Henry's interaction with Scott, writing on X that Henry was 'rude and incorrect' and that Scott 'pronounced it properly'.

How it is being reported

• Thierry Henry responds to criticism as Ballon d’Or presenter after Kate Scott and Lamine Yamal ‘jokes’The legendary France and Arsenal forward’s style divided opinion among fans on social media during the glitzy London ceremony, as Harry Kane picked up the main men’s awardIndependent Sport · 28 Oct, 09:22
• Thierry Henry addresses Ballon d'Or backlash after criticism over Lamine Yamal jibeArsenal and France icon Thierry Henry was at the forefront of the coverage for the Ballon d’Or on Monday as Harry Kane claimed the big prize but a few of his jokes have not gone down wellMirror Sport · 28 Oct, 08:58
• Thierry Henry breaks silence on Kate Scott and Lamine Yamal controversy at Ballon d’Or ceremonyTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Thierry Henry has addressed his controversial performance as co-host of the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday night after he was criticised for his remarks…Metro · 28 Oct, 08:51
• Thierry Henry slammed for ‘rude’ comments to Kate Scott and Lamine Yamal during Ballon d’Or ceremonyTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Thierry Henry has faced criticism for his comments towards fellow presenter Kate Scott and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal during the Ballon d’Or ceremony on…Metro · 27 Oct, 12:29

In this story: Thierry Henry · Lamine Yamal · Kate Scott · Harry Kane · Socrates · Barcelona · Arsenal · Palladium Theatre

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