Get insights into the personal life story of Nicole Merry, Thierry Henry’s ex-wife

Get insights into the personal life story of Nicole Merry, Thierry Henry’s ex-wife

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at February 7, 2024 at 1:20 PM
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Nicole Merry, also known as Claire Merry, is a name that resonates beyond her identity as Thierry Henry’s ex-wife. Her journey from a model to an actress and her tumultuous marriage with the football legend Thierry Henry paints a picture of a woman whose life has been as eventful as it has been inspiring. Her early life laid the foundation for a career that would soon intertwine with one of football’s most iconic figures.

Henry Thierry and his ex-wife Nicole Merry
Frame one: Thierry Henry in Paris on January 19, 2024. Frame 2: Claire Merry on November 9, 2016, in London. Photos: Anne-Christine / David M. Benett (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

This article delves deep into Nicole Merry’s personal life, offering insights that go beyond the glare of the media spotlight she found herself in. As for the sources of this information, it has been meticulously researched from various credible outlets and publications to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Nicole Merry’s life and journey.

Nicole Merry’s profile summary

Full name

Nicole Merry

Also known as

Claire Merry

Date of birth

1980

Place of birth

Croydon, London

Age

Approximately 43 years old (as of January 2024)

Family background

Father was an advertising executive

Career

Model and Actress

Modelling career

Gained recognition as “Nicole Merry”

Meeting Thierry Henry

Met on the set of “Va Va Voom” Renault Clio TV advertisements in 2001

Marriage

Tied the knot with Thierry Henry in 2003

Residence

Lived in a luxurious six-bedroom house in Hampstead, North London, bought by Henry in 2002 for around $8.94 million

Children

Téa, born in 2005

Divorce date

2007

Net worth

Estimated between $1 million and $10 million

How old is Nicole Merry?

Born in 1980 in Croydon, London, Nicole Merry (43 years as of 2024) grew up in a family where her father was an executive in the advertising industry. From an early age, Nicole showed an inclination towards the creative arts.

Nicole Merry’s birthday

Nicole Merry has managed to keep her birth date away from the public eye. This aspect of her personal life has remained elusive, a rare feat in an age where information is often readily available.

In stark contrast to Nicole’s secretive birthday, the birth dates of her former husband, Thierry Henry, are well-documented and publicly known. Born on August 17, 1977, Thierry’s birthdays have often been occasions for public acknowledgement and celebration, particularly given his status as one of football’s most revered figures.

Nicole Merry: rise to fame

Facts about Nicole Merry, Thierry Henry's ex-wife
Claire Merry leaving Matt Lucas’s Home on October 7, 2009, in London, England. Photo: Neil Mockford (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Thierry Henry met Nicole Merry, also known as Claire Merry, on the set of the famous “Va Va Voom” Renault Clio television advertisements in 2001. These adverts, which were quite popular, featured Thierry Henry and showcased his charismatic personality and football skills.

Nicole Merry, a model at the time, was featured alongside him in the advertisement. The shared professional work on this project led to their personal acquaintance, which eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Their meeting in the context of a creative and vibrant advertising campaign set the stage for their future together, culminating in their marriage in 2003.

Thierry Henry and Nicole Merry were married for only four years

The couple settled in a luxurious six-bedroom house in Hampstead, North London, a property Henry acquired in 2002 for around $8.94 million, as per Daily Mail. Their home was not just a residence but a symbol of their success and a haven for their growing family, including the birth of their daughter, Téa, in 2005.

A turn in the tale

The fairy tale did not last. In 2007, after four years of marriage, the couple parted ways. The French international declared his departure from Ms Merry in June, shortly before his move to Barcelona, where he reportedly earned around $260,260 per week.

His wife was allegedly discontent with the relocation and was said to be heartbroken when Henry ended their marriage. Following the split, the footballer was believed to have formed a close bond with a Spanish actress. In reflecting on the challenges of their divorce, Thierry Henry once said:

“A divorce is never easy, even more so with a daughter in the middle.”

Nicole Merry’s net worth

Thierry Henry and Nicole Merry
Thierry Henry and his wife Nicole Merry watch the 2007 French Open final from the stands on June 10, 2007. Photo: Jon Buckle
Source: Getty Images

Nicole Merry’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $10 million. This estimation reflects her career earnings as an actress and model.

Nicole Merry gained significant public attention through her role in the 1997 movie “The Fifth Element” and her appearance in Renault Clio TV advertisements alongside her former husband, Thierry Henry. It is evident that her involvement in modelling and acting has contributed to her financial status.

Additionally, her high-profile marriage to and subsequent divorce from Thierry Henry, a renowned footballer with a significant net worth, likely impacted her financial standing, including any divorce settlement she may have received. The Telegraph disclosed that she received a settlement of around $9.96 million after the divorce.

Who is Nicole Merry’s partner?

Beatrice Trezeguet and Nicole Merry
Beatrice Trezeguet (L), wife of David Trezeguet, and Nicole Henry (R), wife of Thierry Henry, during 2006 World Cup football game, on July 05 2006. Photo: Pascal Pavani
Source: Getty Images

Post her high-profile divorce from Thierry Henry, Nicole Merry has kept her personal life relatively private. The public’s interest in her romantic life remains high, but Nicole has chosen to keep this aspect of her life away from the media glare, a testament to her desire for privacy and normalcy post-divorce.

Is Thierry Henry in a relationship?

While Thierry Henry’s marriage to Nicole Merry ended in 2008, his personal life continued to evolve. Post-divorce, Henry’s romantic life remained a subject of interest, leading to the question: “Who is Thierry Henry’s current wife?”

Andrea Rajacic: Thierry Henry’s long-term partner

Andrea Rajacic, a Bosnian model, has been Thierry Henry’s girlfriend since October 2008. The couple met while Andrea was visiting her younger sister in Spain.

Born on November 30, 1986, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, Rajacic comes from a modest family background. Her father, Nebojsa Rajacic, is a well-known plastic surgeon.

Career and net worth

Andrea Rajacic’s successful career as a model has been a testament to her talent and dedication. Starting her journey at a young age in Bosnia, she quickly built an impressive portfolio, collaborating with renowned companies in the fashion industry. Her net worth is estimated to be between $1 Million and $5 Million.

Does Thierry Henry have children?

Thierry Henry and his daughter
Thierry Henry of Arsenal watches the match from the stands with his daughter Téa on January 21, 2012. Photo: AMA
Source: Getty Images

The Arsenal legend has four children (as of January 2024). Thierry Henry and Nicole Merry have a daughter, Téa Henry, who was born in 2005. Henry also has three other children with Andrea Rajacic.

In 2012, they welcomed their first child, Tristan. On August 17 2015, the couple again welcomed their second child, Tatiana, and the fourth child, Gabriel Henry, was born in 2016.

A summary of Thierry Henry’s relationships

Thierry Henry’s romantic journey has been a captivating tale, marked by significant relationships that have shaped his personal life. His first significant chapter saw him wed Claire Merry in 2003, and their union was graced with the birth of their first child two years later. However, by 2008, their marriage had reached its conclusion.

In the midst of his marital challenges, around 2006, rumours circulated about Henry’s involvement with Chloe Walton, an alleged affair that was speculated to have strained his relationship with Claire. Nevertheless, the veracity of this connection remained uncertain.

Before his divorce from Claire (Nicole Merry) was finalized, Henry was seen in the company of makeup artist Sadie Hewlett. This brief romance was concluded in 2008.

Subsequently, Henry embarked on a new chapter of companionship with Bosnian model Andrea Rajacic. While their relationship is not formalized through marriage, they have created a life together, sharing experiences and finding happiness in each other’s presence.

Final word

Nicole Merry’s life story is one of resilience, transformation, and personal triumph. From the dazzling heights of fame to the challenges of a public divorce, her journey is a testament to her strength as a woman navigating the complex terrain of personal and professional life. As she continues to carve her path, Nicole Merry remains an intriguing and inspiring figure, emblematic of grace under pressure.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.