Thierry Henry has announced his departure from his position as head coach of the France under-21 football team, following a successful stint that saw the team secure a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the French Football Federation disclosed on Monday.
The former Arsenal striker, who is the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, took on the role with the French youth team last summer. Although his contract was set to last until June 2025, he has decided to step down for “personal reasons,” as stated by the FFF.
In July, Henry led the French under-21 team, known as Les Bleuets, to their first Olympic final since their gold medal win at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Despite a commendable performance, his team lost 5-3 in extra time to Spain, ending a remarkable campaign that had begun with challenges due to some clubs not releasing their players for the tournament.
Henry, 47, expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “I want to extend my thanks to the FFF and President Philippe Diallo for offering me this incredible opportunity. Winning an Olympic silver medal for my country is one of my greatest achievements. I’m deeply thankful to the federation, the players, the staff, and the fans for this unforgettable experience.”
FFF President Diallo praised Henry for his contributions, stating, “We regret Thierry’s decision to leave, especially given the success he achieved, including the silver medal at the Paris Olympics. I’ve seen his professionalism, dedication, and passion for the blue jersey throughout this campaign.”
