Thierry Henry’s Question to Lamine Yamal at Ballon d’Or Ceremony Sparks Debate
Thierry Henry has sparked a social media debate after putting Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal on the spot during Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium.
Yamal, 19, claimed the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year, recognising him as the best young player. However, during his acceptance speech, the Barcelona forward suggested that his teammate Pau Cubarsí was more deserving of the award.
Henry, who co-hosted the ceremony alongside broadcaster Kate Scott, subsequently asked Yamal whether the Kopa Trophy was really the prize he had hoped to win that evening. The question drew laughter from the audience but quickly became a subject of discussion on social media platform X.
Yamal initially laughed at the remark before clarifying that he wanted to win every available trophy but felt Cubarsí deserved the recognition on this occasion. The defender has been an important performer for Barcelona, prompting Yamal to acknowledge his contribution during his speech.
The exchange divided viewers online. Some criticised Henry for allegedly placing the teenager in an awkward position in front of a live audience, with several describing the question as disrespectful. Others defended the former France international, arguing that the comment was intended as harmless banter and had been blown out of proportion.
Henry also faced criticism for correcting Scott’s pronunciation of the Socrates Award. Some viewers considered his response unnecessarily sharp, adding to the debate over his conduct as a presenter during the ceremony.
Harry Kane Wins Men’s Ballon d’Or
Beyond the on-stage exchanges, the ceremony celebrated several major achievements in football. England captain Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or following an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich, becoming the first Englishman to receive the prestigious honour since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions as the German club secured the domestic league and cup double. He finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé, while Yamal secured third place in the voting.
Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time after helping Barcelona achieve a treble before moving to London City Lionesses.
Barcelona’s Vicky López retained the women’s Kopa Trophy, while Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year. Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the corresponding women’s coaching award.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón won the men’s Yashin Trophy, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll took the women’s goalkeeper honour. Paris Saint-Germain were recognised as men’s club of the year, with Barcelona winning the women’s club award.
Kane also collected the men’s Gerd Müller Trophy for the season’s leading goalscorer, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral won the women’s award.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts through his Big Shoe charity.
Although the ceremony celebrated outstanding performances and contributions to football, Henry’s exchanges on stage became a talking point of their own, with viewers continuing to disagree over whether his remarks were playful or inappropriate.
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