Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry will receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the Sports Personality of the Year ceremony.
The 48-year-old, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest players, retired in 2014. Organizers will present the award during the 2025 live broadcast on television and online from 19:00 GMT.
“Football has given me everything, and I gave it my all,” Henry said. “To be recognised as part of its history and to leave my mark for fans and teammates is incredible.”
Arsenal Legend and Record Goalscorer
Henry scored 228 goals in 377 appearances for Arsenal, surpassing Ian Wright to become the club’s record goalscorer in 2005. He won three FA Cups and two Premier League titles, including the unbeaten 2003-04 season with the ‘Invincibles’.
The striker earned the Premier League Golden Boot four times and appeared in the PFA Team of the Year six seasons consecutively. He shares the record with Kevin de Bruyne for the most assists (20) in a single Premier League season.
Previous Lifetime Achievement winners include Billie Jean King, Pele, Sir Bobby Charlton, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir David Beckham, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, and Sir Chris Hoy.
International Glory with France
Born in Les Ulis, Paris, Henry won the World Cup on home soil in 1998. He played a key role in France’s 2000 European Championship victory.
He scored 51 goals in 123 appearances for Les Bleus, holding the national record until Olivier Giroud surpassed him in 2022. However, his handball against Ireland in 2009 caused controversy. The incident set up William Gallas’ decisive goal, securing France’s 2-1 aggregate win and denying Ireland a place in the 2010 World Cup.
Success Across Europe and the US
After eight seasons at Arsenal, Henry joined Barcelona in 2007. He won the treble—La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey—in 2009, defeating Manchester United in the final.
He moved to New York Red Bulls in 2010 and briefly returned to Arsenal on loan in 2012. He scored the winner in his first match back against Leeds United and netted another stoppage-time winner against Sunderland in his final game.
Transition to Coaching and Media
After retiring in 2014, Henry became a pundit, covering Euro 2016 and later working with Arsenal’s youth teams. In 2016, he joined Belgium’s national team as assistant to head coach Roberto Martinez.
He managed Monaco for three months in 2018 and then led Montreal Impact from 2019 to 2021. Henry became France’s Under-21 manager in 2023 and guided their Olympic team to silver at the 2024 Paris Games.
Panel and Recognition
The awards shortlisting panel included Maggie Alphonsi, Anita Asante, Libby Clegg, Carl Frampton, and Ebony Rainford-Brent. Media representatives included Josh Denzel, Kelly Cates, Riath Al-Samarrai, and Molly Hudson.
Sports leadership recognized Henry as redefining modern football. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport, praised Henry’s artistry, intelligence, and global influence. He said Henry inspired players and fans through creativity, leadership, and love for football, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
