Paris, France – Thierry Henry has announced his decision to step down from his role as head coach of the France under-21 football team after guiding the squad to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the news on Monday, citing “personal reasons” for the 47-year-old’s departure.
Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer and a 1998 World Cup winner with France, took over the under-21 national team last summer.
His contract was set to run until June 2025, but the legendary forward has chosen to conclude his tenure earlier than expected after what he described as a “magical experience” at the Olympics.
Under his leadership, the French U21 side achieved a historic run in the Olympic men’s football tournament, reaching the final for the first time since 1984, when France won gold in Los Angeles.
In a hard-fought match against Spain in the final, Les Bleuets fell short in extra time, losing 5-3. Despite the defeat, the team’s performance was seen as a remarkable achievement, especially given the challenges Henry faced in assembling his squad.
Due to the reluctance of certain clubs to release players for the Games, Henry had to make several changes to his roster just before the tournament began.
Nevertheless, he successfully navigated the challenges, guiding France through a challenging competition to secure the silver medal.
Reflecting on his time as coach, Henry expressed his gratitude in an official statement released by the FFF. “I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo for giving me this incredible opportunity,” Henry said.
“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.”
Federation President Philippe Diallo also praised Henry’s contributions to the team, acknowledging the impact of his leadership on the French youth squad.
“We obviously regret this decision, as Thierry Henry was able to achieve the objectives set for him by winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris,” Diallo said.
“Having followed him throughout this campaign, I witnessed first-hand his great professionalism, his rigour, and his love for the blue jersey.”
Henry’s departure leaves a significant void in the France U21 setup, with the FFF now tasked with finding a successor to build on the foundations laid by one of the nation’s football icons.
As a player, Henry’s name is synonymous with success at the highest level, including domestic titles, international honours, and a memorable run with Arsenal’s “Invincibles” in the Premier League.
While the FFF did not specify who will take over as coach, the search for Henry’s replacement will be closely watched as France aims to continue developing young talent for future senior national teams.
Thierry Henry’s coaching career has seen various chapters, and his departure from the France U21 team adds another turn to his post-playing journey.
His next steps in football remain uncertain, but his influence on the young generation of French footballers will be remembered as a key moment in their development.
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