Thierry Henry Steps Down as France Under-21s Manager After Olympic Silver

Thierry Henry has resigned as manager of France's Under-21 side, following a successful run that culminated in a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 47-year-old, who took charge of the team in 2023 on a two-year contract, has opted to step down despite his contract running until after next year’s European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.

Henry’s tenure as France U21 boss was highlighted by an impressive performance at the Olympic Games, where he led a squad packed with young talent and a few experienced names, including Alexandre Lacazette and Jean-Philippe Mateta as overage players. On home soil, France reached the final but fell short in a thrilling 5-3 extra-time defeat against Spain, settling for a silver medal.

In a heartfelt statement, Henry reflected on his decision: "Winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games for my country will remain one of the greatest prides of my life. I am incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff, and the supporters who allowed me to live a magical experience."

Henry's impact on the French Under-21 setup was immediate, as he guided the team to four victories in six matches during his brief time in charge. He also oversaw the Olympic side’s journey to the final, winning eight of 11 games in a run that included group-stage victories over the USA, Guinea, and New Zealand, followed by knockout triumphs over Argentina and Egypt.

The France Football Federation expressed its regret over Henry’s decision but acknowledged his success: "Thierry Henry achieved the objectives set for him and leaves the team in a strong position."

Henry, who earned 123 caps and scored 51 goals for France during his illustrious playing career, will be remembered not just for his on-field achievements but also for his promising start to his managerial journey. Despite being relatively new to the coaching arena, his ability to inspire and lead a young generation of French talent has been evident.

What lies next for Henry remains unclear, but the former Arsenal and Barcelona legend will no doubt attract interest from clubs and national teams looking for a leader with his pedigree and vision.

As for France, they now face the task of finding a replacement who can build on Henry’s work and lead the team into next year’s European Under-21 Championship with ambitions of lifting the trophy.