Thierry Henry terminates contract with France U21 side as reason for shock departure given

Thierry Henry has stepped down from his position as France Under 21 manager, it has been confirmed.

After a second spell as assistant manager of the Belgium national team, the Arsenal and Barcelona legend was hired in August 2023 and brought in former teammate Gael Clichy as his right-hand man.

As a result, Henry was in charge of the France side at the Olympics on home soil over the summer and secured a silver medal.

He was contracted until June 2025 but on Monday the FFF announced Henry's deal had been terminated for "reasons of his own".

Image: Getty

"On behalf of the FFF, I would like to thank Thierry Henry for all the work he has accomplished at the head of the Espoirs and Olympiques teams," FFF president Philippe Diallo said.

"We obviously regret this decision because Thierry Henry was able to achieve the objectives that had been set for him by winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, 40 years after the Olympic medal in Los Angeles.

"Having followed him throughout this campaign, I was able to discover his great professionalism, his rigor and his love of the blue jersey. We wish him good luck for the rest of his career."

With the Under 21 side, Henry took charge of six games and boasted a win percentage of 67%.

With the Olympic squad, which includes the likes of Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette, Henry won eight of the 11 games he managed - his only defeat coming in extra time of the final against Spain.

Commenting on his exit, Henry said: "I would like to thank the FFF and President Philippe Diallo, who offered me this incredible opportunity.

"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."

Image: Getty

The job was Henry's third coaching gig after stints with former club Monaco and Montreal Impact in the MLS.

He left the Canadian outfit after 29 games at the helm, citing "personal reasons" and being unable to see his children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 47-year-old remains a pundit with CBS Sports and is expected to be part of their Champions League coverage once again this season.