Thierry Henry Receives UEFA President's Award for Combating Racism and Mental Health Issues

Former French football star Thierry Henry has been honored with the 2026 UEFA President's Award, presented in Monaco just before the Champions League draw.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin lauded Henry, acknowledging his impactful career as Arsenal's all-time leading scorer and a key player in the "Invincibles" squad. Henry's achievements also include winning the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup and European Championship with France, accumulating 411 goals for club and country.

"His speed, grace, skill, and cool finishing made Henry an all-time great striker and a man who continues to write his story within the sport as a world-renowned expert," Čeferin stated. He further emphasized Henry's consistent advocacy on critical issues, particularly his vocal stance against discrimination and racism, and his work concerning mental health.

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His speed, grace, skill, and cool finishing made Henry an all-time great striker and a man who continues to write his story within the sport as a world-renowned expert. He never hesitated to raise his voice on important issues, speaking relentlessly about discrimination, racism, and mental health, and is equally generous in supporting numerous humanitarian causes both during and after his football career. His passion and work off the field showed that the 'ice in his veins' was never the whole story, underneath it all lies a warm, deeply caring heart.

Čeferin added that Henry's "passion and work off the field showed that the 'ice in his veins' was never the whole story, underneath it all lies a warm, deeply caring heart." The UEFA President's Award, established in 1998, has previously recognized figures like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Gianluigi Buffon, and David Beckham.

Additionally, UEFA presented the new "Respect: Beyond the Game" award to Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos. This award celebrates empathy, dignity, solidarity, and respect in European football. Marquinhos received the honor for consoling his compatriot and opponent Gabriel Magalhães after PSG's Champions League final victory over Arsenal, demonstrating sportsmanship in a moment of high emotion.

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Marquinhos had just won the biggest trophy in European club football. His first instinct was not to celebrate, but to cross the pitch, embrace and advise an opponent in the toughest moment of his career. Football is full of moments that feel larger than life. That one felt very human too – and it is one that will last.