Thierry Henry Steps Down as France U21 Coach After Olympic Silver Medal

Author:

Patricia Bell

|Published: August 20th, 2024

After leading France's Olympic soccer team to a silver medal at the Paris Games, Thierry Henry has stepped down from his coaching role, citing personal reasons.

Henry, who had a contract through the following season, was set to resume his duties with the France under-21 team for their 2025 European Championship qualifying campaign.

Thierry Henry has left his position as coach of the U21s 👋

Thank you for an Olympic medal 🥈 and good luck for the rest of your career, coach 💙#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/c6XPVIFsAb
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) August 19, 2024

The French soccer federation confirmed Henry's departure on Monday, with federation president Philippe Diallo praising Henry's "great professionalism, his rigor, and his love of the blue jersey."

Henry, a legendary figure in French football, was appointed a year ago with the goal of guiding the team through the Olympics.

Under his leadership, the team reached the final on August 9th but fell short, losing 5-3 to Spain in extra time at Parc des Princes.

Following the final, Henry gave a vague response regarding his future, hinting that he might not continue with the U21 team.

On Monday, he expressed his pride in the Olympic achievement, stating, "Obtaining the silver medal for my country at the Olympic Games will remain one of the greatest sources of pride of my life."