Thierry Henry, former Barcelona player
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Thierry Henry has explained why he asked Lamine Yamal whether the Kopa Trophy was the award he wanted most during Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, after the exchange sparked debate among viewers.
The Barcelona winger, who had been among the favourites for the main prize, ultimately saw Harry Kane take home the Ballon d’Or.
Yamal nevertheless secured the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, recognising him as the world’s leading young footballer.
Henry questioned Lamine Yamal about the Kopa Trophy
After Yamal delivered his acceptance speech, Henry asked: “Is it the one you wanted today?”
The young forward handled the question diplomatically, replying: “I love them all, but speaking of this one, I would have liked it to be for Cubarsi.”
The exchange drew attention because Yamal had been competing for the evening’s biggest individual honour, only to leave without it.
Henry denies trying to test Yamal’s ego
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @thierryhenry
Henry has since addressed the reaction in an extensive video posted on social media, explaining that his question was intended as a light-hearted observation rather than a challenge to the teenager.
Henry began his explanation by acknowledging the discussion surrounding the moment.
“I’ve seen loads of people talking about what happened at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, so I’d like to clarify what actually happened, as a lot of importance has been attached to something that really isn’t a big deal.”
The former France international then rejected the suggestion that he was deliberately trying to provoke Yamal.
“I wasn’t testing his ego at all. I simply thought that, as it was the third time he’d won this trophy, I asked him if this was the one he really wanted.
“We all knew he wanted it, but unfortunately he didn’t get it.”
Thierry Henry reiterates admiration for Barcelona star
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona
Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy during the Ballon d’Or gala. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Henry then made clear that the question should not be interpreted as criticism of the Barcelona forward.
He stressed his admiration for Yamal and acknowledged that some people might not have appreciated the joke.
“I’m a huge fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn’t testing his ego, but if you didn’t like the joke… I can understand that, but please, don’t make a big deal out of it.
“He really is one of those players I’d pay to watch. I love him.
“I was just asking him if this was really the prize he wanted, because I knew the ‘big prize’ was coming later and, unfortunately, he didn’t win it – because he really is an incredible footballer who I love watching play,” he concluded.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona player