Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has defended his conduct as co-host of the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, dismissing criticism of his jokes about Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, winner Harry Kane and co-presenter Kate Scott.
Key Highlights
- Thierry Henry says reactions to his Ballon d’Or jokes have been exaggerated.
- He insists he is a big fan of Lamine Yamal despite teasing him over the young player award.
- Henry denies disrespecting co-host Kate Scott over the Socrates pronunciation exchange.
- He congratulates Harry Kane as a worthy winner, while admitting he backed Kylian Mbappe.
Henry, who presented Monday’s ceremony alongside his CBS Sports colleague, addressed the controversy in a social media video on Wednesday, insisting that some reactions to his remarks have been exaggerated.
Henry On Yamal Joke
The 49-year-old came under criticism after teasing Yamal about winning the young player of the year award for the third consecutive time, asking whether it was really the prize the Barcelona star wanted.
The comment reportedly drew an audible reaction from members of the audience, prompting questions about whether Henry had belittled the Spanish forward.
However, Henry maintained that the remark was intended as a joke and did not reflect any lack of respect for the teenager.
“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,” Henry said.
He added that Yamal was among the players he would gladly pay to watch, reaffirming his admiration for the young star.
‘Stop Saying I Disrespected Kate’
Henry also rejected claims that he had disrespected Scott during an exchange over the pronunciation of the name of Brazilian football legend Socrates.
The former striker had corrected Scott’s pronunciation during the ceremony, prompting criticism from some viewers who considered the exchange inappropriate.
Henry, however, insisted that the moment was a shared joke and that Scott had participated willingly.
“You didn’t like the joke, I understand, but please stop saying I disrespected Kate,” he said.
He added that Scott had deliberately shortened the name before he responded in a similar manner, urging critics to stop presenting the exchange as a personal slight.
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‘Kane Is A Worthy Winner’
The former Arsenal captain also addressed his comments about Kane, who won the men’s Ballon d’Or, and his support for fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.
Henry acknowledged that his nationality influenced his preference, explaining that he had naturally backed Mbappe for the prestigious individual award.
However, he was quick to congratulate Kane, describing the England captain as a deserving winner.
“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’,” Henry said.
He praised Kane’s dedication and congratulated him on the achievement, adding that he affectionately referred to the striker as “Sir Harry Kane” following the World Cup.
Henry concluded his response by urging critics to relax, insisting that his remarks should not be interpreted as hostility towards Yamal or Kane or disrespect towards Scott.
The controversy has added to discussions surrounding the ceremony, which attracted attention for its on-stage exchanges and reactions from the audience.
Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian and charitable work.
Henry, who finished runner-up to Pavel Nedved in the 2003 Ballon d’Or voting, remains one of the most celebrated former players in European football.
His response appears aimed at drawing a line under the criticism, while maintaining that humour, personal admiration and professional respect can coexist during a live awards presentation.
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