Thierry Henry has resigned from his role as manager of France’s Under-21 team after guiding the squad to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 47-year-old football icon, who signed a two-year contract in 2023, chose to step down despite his agreement running until after the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia next year.
Henry led the French team to a strong performance on home soil at the Olympics, where they reached the final but were narrowly defeated by Spain, 5-3, in extra time. Reflecting on his time with the team, Henry expressed deep pride: “Winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games for my country will remain one of the greatest prides of my life.”
The France Football Federation (FFF) expressed regret over Henry’s departure, acknowledging that he had achieved the objectives set for him. During his tenure, Henry secured four wins in six matches with the under-21s and guided the Olympic team to eight victories out of 11 games. The Olympic squad featured notable players like Alexandre Lacazette and Jean-Philippe Mateta as overage participants.
Henry’s departure marks the end of a chapter in a storied career, which includes 123 caps and 51 goals for France, solidifying his legacy as one of the nation’s greatest footballers.
