Thierry Henry has defended himself against criticism of how he hosted Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, dismissing the backlash as “people getting really excited about nothing”.
The former France and Arsenal forward came under fire for remarks he made to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, overall winner Harry Kane and co-host Kate Scott on the night. Henry presented the ceremony alongside his CBS Sports colleague Scott.
The Lamine Yamal joke
Henry teased Yamal about winning a third successive young player of the year award. “It’s your third one, right? But is it the one you really wanted to win?” he asked, drawing an audible reaction from the audience in attendance.
On Wednesday, Henry addressed the moment in a social media video. “I’m a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn’t checking his ego at all. That you didn’t like the joke, I can understand,” he said. “But don’t do that, he’s one of the players I’d pay to watch, I love him.”
The Kate Scott pronunciation
Henry also corrected Scott’s pronunciation of the name of Brazil legend Socrates. He responded to criticism that he had disrespected her by insisting she was in on the joke.
“You didn’t like the joke, I understand, but please stop saying I disrespected Kate,” the 49-year-old said. “I will never do that and you can ask her, she was on the joke with me. She did Soc on purpose, and I said Soc, so please stop inventing stories.”
Backing Mbappe, praising Kane
Henry admitted he wanted fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe to beat Kane to the top prize. He explained that his loyalty to his countryman drove that preference, but he was quick to praise the England captain.
“I’m French and I was always going to back up and support my fellow countryman,” Henry said. He added that he had told Kane he was a worthy winner. “You are a worthy winner, you deserve it, you are the example that work ethic is a talent, working hard is a talent,” Henry recalled telling him. “Well done, Harry Kane, and I call him Sir Harry Kane since the World Cup.”
Henry closed by urging fans to calm down. “So please, people out there, relax, relax. I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal and I didn’t disrespect Kate. She was on the joke with me.”