Henry clarifies his Yamal question: 'I got a laugh'

Henry clarified his Ballon d'Or stage question to Yamal was meant lightheartedly, saying he got a laugh and is a big fan of the Barcelona winger.

Thierry Henry responded to criticism over his question to Lamine Yamal at the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at London's Palladium Theatre. When presenting alongside Kate Scott, Henry asked Yamal—who won the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year—whether that was really the award he wanted, a remark some felt was disrespectful or mocking.

In an Instagram video, Henry explained his intent: "I saw many people talking about the Ballon d'Or evening, so I wanted to clarify things for those who got angry for nothing. I absolutely didn't want to hurt Yamal's ego. I just thought that since it was the third time he was winning the award, I could ask him if that was really what he wanted. And I managed to get a laugh." He noted that while everyone knew what Yamal truly wanted, Kane ultimately won the main award.

Henry emphasized his admiration for the Spanish winger, calling him "one of the players I would pay to watch play" and stressing he was simply asking a friendly question, knowing the main Ballon d'Or winner would be announced later.