Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has defended his comments about Barcelona star Lamine Yamal at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, insisting he never meant to disrespect the youngster.
Henry co-hosted Monday’s event with Kate Scott but faced criticism after joking about whether Yamal really wanted the Kopa Trophy, which he won for the third consecutive time.
In an Instagram video, Henry said he expected the teenager to target the main Ballon d’Or award, eventually won by England captain Harry Kane.
“For Lamine Yamal, I wasn’t checking his ego at all. 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,” he said.
Henry described Yamal as a player he loves watching and regretted that he missed out on the biggest award.
“I am a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn’t checking his ego whatsoever. That you didn’t like the joke, I can understand, but please don’t do that. He’s one of the players that I will pay to watch. I love him,” Henry added.
He also denied disrespecting Scott over a joke about her pronunciation of Brazilian football legend Socrates’ name, saying she was part of the planned exchange.
“Again, that you didn’t like the joke, I understand. But please stop saying that I disrespect Kate. I will never do that,” he added.
Henry also praised Kane’s work ethic and congratulated him on winning the Ballon d’Or, despite supporting fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.
Concluding his response, he urged fans to stop misinterpreting his jokes.
“So please, people out there. Relax. I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal. And I didn’t disrespect Kate. She was in on the joke with me. Have a good night, see you soon,” he said.
