Thierry Henry has officially resigned from his position as the manager of France’s Under-21 national team, following a successful stint that culminated in a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 47-year-old football legend had initially signed a two-year contract in 2023, with his tenure set to extend until after the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia next year. However, Henry has chosen to step down earlier than expected.
Henry led the under-23 French squad on home soil during the Paris Games, where they reached the final but were narrowly defeated by Spain, losing 5-3 in extra time. Despite the defeat, the campaign was viewed as a success, with Henry guiding the team through a strong tournament performance that included victories over the USA, Guinea, and New Zealand in the group stages, followed by wins against Argentina and Egypt in the knockout rounds.
Reflecting on his time in charge, Henry stated, “Winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games for my country will remain one of the greatest prides of my life. I am incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff, and the supporters who allowed me to live a magical experience.”
The France Football Federation expressed regret over Henry’s departure, acknowledging that he had “achieved the objectives set for him.” Under his leadership, Henry won four out of six matches with the Under-21s and secured eight victories in 11 games with the Olympic team.
As a player, Henry earned 123 caps for France and scored 51 goals, leaving behind an illustrious legacy that he continued to build upon as a manager. His decision to step down marks the end of an era, but his contributions to French football will be long remembered.
