
French Football Federation has announced that Thierry Henry, the former renowned striker of France, has been appointed as the head coach of the country’s Under-21 national team until 2025. This significant decision was revealed through an official statement on Monday, capturing the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide.
Thierry Henry, celebrated for his illustrious career with Arsenal, will take the reins of the Under-21 team and guide them through the forthcoming Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Paris next year. This comes as a notable transition, following the departure of Sylvain Ripoll due to France’s premature exit from the European Under-21 championship earlier this year.
Accompanying Henry in his coaching endeavors will be former Angers manager Gerald Baticle, who will assume the role of assistant coach within his team. This collaborative effort is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Under-21 setup, enhancing their prospects on the international stage.
With an impressive track record as France’s second all-time leading goal scorer, Thierry Henry is poised to make a triumphant return to coaching. His previous role as an assistant coach for Belgium after the last World Cup has set the stage for this new challenge. As a seasoned player who also graced the ranks of Barcelona, Henry’s expertise spans across various facets of the game.
Henry’s coaching journey has seen him nurture young talents within Arsenal’s youth teams, take on responsibilities at AS Monaco in Ligue 1, and guide players at Montreal in the Major League Soccer. His diverse experience equips him with a well-rounded understanding of different football landscapes, which will undoubtedly shape his approach to leading the Under-21 team.
A true football legend, Thierry Henry culminated his playing career in 2014, etching his name in history as Arsenal’s all-time leading goal scorer with an impressive tally of 228 goals. His remarkable achievements also extend to the international arena, where he earned 123 caps and found the back of the net 51 times while representing France.
Marking a new era, Henry is set to debut as the head coach of the Under-21s in a friendly match against Denmark on September 7th. Subsequently, the team will engage in a crucial Euro qualifier against Slovenia just four days later. This exciting start under Henry’s leadership promises a blend of his tactical acumen and a fresh wave of youthful energy, revitalizing France’s aspirations in the realm of international football.
Thierry Henry’s appointment as the head coach of France’s Under-21s until 2025 heralds a period of transformation and renewed vigor for the team. With his extensive playing experience, diverse coaching background, and innate understanding of the game, Henry is poised to propel the Under-21s to new heights on the global stage.