Thierry Henry has decided to step down as 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 all-time top scorer for Premier League giants Arsenal took charge of the French youth team last summer and was under contract until June 2025, but he has chosen to step away for “personal reasons,” according to the FFF.
In July, former France international Henry guided Les Bleuets to their first Olympic men’s football final since winning gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Despite a strong tournament, his young team lost 5-3 after extra time against Spain in the final. Their promising run had faced challenges from the start, as Henry had to make several squad changes before the tournament due to some clubs refusing to release their players for the Games.
“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,” Diallo added.
“Having followed him throughout this campaign, I witnessed first-hand his great professionalism, his rigour and his love for the blue jersey.”
