Thierry Henry has resigned from his position as coach of the France under-21 football team after leading the squad to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Monday, August 19, 2024.
The former Arsenal star, who remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, took over the French youth side last summer with a contract running until June 2025.
However, he has chosen to step down for “personal reasons,” according to the FFF.
In July, Henry guided Les Bleuets to their first final in an Olympic men’s football tournament since the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, where France won gold. Despite a strong showing, his team fell 5-3 to Spain after extra time in the final.
Henry’s Olympic campaign faced early challenges, as he was forced to make several squad changes due to some clubs refusing to release their players for the tournament.
Despite this, he led the team to a promising run, culminating in a historic silver medal finish.
“I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo for giving me this incredible opportunity,” said Henry, 47, in an FFF statement.
“Winning an Olympic silver medal for my country will remain one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff and the fans for giving me this magical experience.”
“Federation boss Diallo thanked the 1998 World Cup winner for “all the work he accomplished as coach of the Espoirs (under-21s) and Olympic sides”.
“We obviously regret this decision, as Thierry Henry was able to achieve the objectives set for him by winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris,” he added.
