Thierry Henry Shows Class by Omitting Himself when Naming GOAT French Player

Thierry Henry Shows Class by Omitting Himself when Naming GOAT French Player

Rene Otinga
updated at April 11, 2024 at 6:45 PM
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  • Thierry Henry is one of the most celebrated French players in history
  • The former Arsenal man, however believes one player is better than him
  • He was recently put on the spot to name the best French player in history

France is famous for producing generational talent over the years.

From Michel Platini to the modern Kylian Mbappe, many French players have been in the unending conversation of the best player.

Thierry Henry, Zidane, France, Footballer, Best Player
Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele during a training session in 1998. PHOTO/PASCAL PAVANI
Source: Getty Images

But one underrated French footballer is Thierry Henry, who recently proved to be gentleman of the sport when asked to name the best French player in history.

An Arsenal legend, Henry was a force to reckon with in his prime.

Not only did he win several league titles with the Gunners, the retired striker was also part of the side that won the World Cup in 1998.

One thing that still baffles fans to date is how Arsenal’s all-time top goal scorer failed to clinch at least one Ballon d’Or, as he came mighty close in 2003 by finishing second to Juventus’ Pavel Nedved, according to The Athletic.

Had he won the individual accolade, he would have made an elite list of players to have won the World Cup, Champions League and the coveted Ballon d’Or.

Henry’s pick for best French player

During a recent edition of CBS Sports coverage, Kate Abdo challenged her co-hosts to name the ‘GOAT French player’

Micah Richards was modest with his response as he pointed at his colleague Thierry Henry.

Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back with his reaction to Micah’s answer as the Liverpool legend made his own pick.

“Zidane, Zidane. It’s Zidane. He (Henry) knows that,” the former Liverpool man said.

The spotlight then shifted to Henry, who uncomfortably agreed with Carragher’s pick.

“It’s a tough one for me because I grew up idolising Platini, but I have to go with Zizou,” he said.

Zidane was a majestic midfielder in his prime, and had an aura to his game that made the team tick whenever he was on the field.

Though he did not score as many goals from midfield, Zizou was an elite football player who won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000 and 2003 as well as the Ballon d’Or in 1998 for his achievements with France.

Thierry Henry’s advice to Haaland

Sports Brief also reported on Henry’s take on Erling Haaland after the Norwegian suffered another wave of criticism.

Former Real Madrid star, Rafael van der Vaart, was the latest to join the criticism and said the striker was at times 'useless',

The Dutchman's frustration came from the fact that Haaland was hardly ever involved in his team’s build-up when City was going forward. off the ball.

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.