Thierry Henry steps down as France U-21 coach

Thierry Henry has decided to step down as the coach of the France under-21 football team after leading them to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Monday.

The Arsenal legend, who became the all-time leading goalscorer for the Premier League club, took charge of the French youth team last summer and was under contract until June 2025. However, he has chosen to step down for “personal reasons,” according to the FFF.

In July, Henry led Les Bleuets to their first Olympic men’s football final since winning gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Despite a valiant effort, his team lost 5-3 in extra time to Spain, capping off a promising run that began with challenges, including last-minute squad changes due to clubs refusing to release certain players for the tournament.

“I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo for giving me this incredible opportunity,” said Henry, 47, in an FFF statement.

“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 boss Diallo thanked the 1998 World Cup winner for “all the work he accomplished as coach of the Espoirs (under-21s) and Olympic sides”.

“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,” he added.

“Having followed him throughout this campaign, I witnessed first-hand his great professionalism, his rigour and his love for the blue jersey.”