Thierry Henry's most brutal decision saw entire team receive Olympic silver medals except for one player

A decision made by Thierry Henry led to one player in the French Olympic football team brutally missing out on a medal.

Heading into the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, home team France were among the favourites to claim the gold medal in the men's football event.

The young French team, lead by legendary player Henry, made it to the final against Spain, but ultimately had to settle for silver after a thrilling match that ended 5-2 to the Euro 2024 champions.

However, there is one player in the France squad that had to go home empty handed, despite all of his teammates being awarded silver medals.

And the reason for this is due to a specific rule set in place by FIFA, combined with the actions of France and Arsenal legend Henry.

Thierry Henry led France to a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. (Image: Getty)

Young goalkeeper Theo de Parcin was included in the French squad for the Olympics, but didn't play a single minute after Henry decided he was surplus to requirement.

Under FIFA rules the 23-year-old was one of the four players on stand-by for the team as injury cover and technically referred to as an 'unenrolled alternate player.'

The rules regarding alternate players receiving medals, stating: "Should an alternate player replace a player and appear on the start list, said alternate player will also obtain a medal should their team finish first, second or third in the tournaments, in addition to the replaced player."

However, De Parcin would not have even needed to come onto the pitch to have been eligible for a medal, as all that was necessary for him to secure silver was Henry naming him in one match day squad.

Theo De Percin currently plays for Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre. (Image: Getty)

The remaining three stand by players - Monaco's Chrislain Matsima, Lens' Andy Diouf and Lyon's Johann Lepenant - all featured in the pool match against New Zealand after France had already secured top spot, and therefore were awarded with medals.

But Henry brutally decided not to risk it including De Parcin in the squad, meaning he was left standing without a medal as his teammates celebrated securing silver.

Spain handed out golds to all of their players, with all four of their stand by footballers featuring at some point.