Thierry Henry has responded to criticism over his hosting performance at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, telling his detractors to 'relax' after jokes about Lamine Yamal and Kate Scott drew backlash. The former Arsenal forward co-hosted the event on Monday, where Harry Kane claimed the main prize.
Henry Clarifies Yamal Comments
Henry faced criticism for suggesting that Yamal did not want the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world's best young player. In a video posted on Instagram, he said: "My people, this is Thierry once again. I've been seeing a lot of people talking about the Ballon d'Or night, so I want to clarify some stuff, what people got really excited for actually nothing."
"For Lamine Yamal, I wasn't checking his ego at all. I just thought that, as the third time that he's winning that trophy, I just asked him if that's the one that he really wanted."
Henry added: "I am a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn't checking his ego whatsoever. That you didn't like the joke, I can understand, but please don't do that. He's one of the players that I will pay to watch. I love him."
He explained that he asked the question because he knew "the real prize was coming after," and expressed disappointment that Yamal did not win it, calling him "a hell of a player that I enjoy to watch."
Joke About Kate Scott Was Scripted
Henry also addressed a joke made at the expense of his CBS colleague Kate Scott, regarding her pronunciation of Socrates. He clarified that the jibe was pre-written into the script.
"Kate was with me on that joke," Henry said. "And you can ask Kate, by the way. She did it on purpose, to say Socrates. And I had to say Socrates [different pronunciation]."
He continued: "Again, that you didn't like the joke, I understand. But please stop saying that I disrespect Kate. I will never do that. And you can ask her people, she was in on the joke. She said Socrates on purpose. So please, stop inventing stories."
Praise for Harry Kane
Henry also referenced a previous exchange with Kane, who had called him out for supporting Kylian Mbappe after a Bayern Munich versus Arsenal game. Henry said he told Kane: "You are a worthy winner. You deserve it. You are the example of what I always call: work ethic is a talent, working hard is a talent."
He added: "I said, 'You are a worthy winner. Well done, Harry Kane'. And I call him Sir Harry Kane since the World Cup."
Henry concluded: "So please, people out there. Relax. I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal. And I didn't disrespect Kate. She was in on the joke with me. Have a good night, see you soon."
