• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Thierry Henry gave surprise answer when choosing the two toughest opponents he ever faced

Home> Football

Published 10:48 11 Feb 2025 GMT

Thierry Henry gave surprise answer when choosing the two toughest opponents he ever faced

Henry's answer may surprise many fans.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry gave a surprise answer when asked to name the toughest opponents he ever faced.

Henry is one of football's greatest ever forwards, having scored over 350 goals during his career.

The Frenchman played a leading role in helping Arsenal to win three Premier League titles, and won the division's Golden Boot award on four separate occasions.

Henry finally landed his first Champions League title in 2009 after signing for Barcelona, before ending his career at MLS side New York Red Bulls.

Advert

He now works as a pundit for CBS Sports, forming a popular partnership on Champions League nights with Kate Scott, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, among other outlets.

Thierry Henry pictured with Kate Scott, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards (Image: Getty)
Thierry Henry pictured with Kate Scott, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards (Image: Getty)

Henry was once asked by CBS Sports to name the toughest opponent he ever came up against - and, while he named two players, one of his answers might surprise you.

He said: "Toughest as in direct opponent? Or just a guy you hated to play against? Paul Scholes [I hated to play against].

Advert

"For direct opponent, I would go back in the days and say Taribo West.

"Because [at Auxerre], they did man-marking. He followed you everywhere. Even in the dressing room."

West may be familiar to a certain generation of fans as being an icon of the Championship Manager game series, as he was available on a free transfer at the beginning of the 2001/02 game with incredible attributes.

The Nigeria left-back had a stellar playing career, making 44 appearances for Inter Milan between 1997 and 1999 before having a short stint at their San Siro rivals AC Milan.

Advert

He then had an 18-game loan spell at Derby County between 2000 and 2001, helping the Rams to stay in the Premier League.

Taribo West in action for Nigeria against 1998 (Image: Getty)
Taribo West in action for Nigeria against 1998 (Image: Getty)

But prior to that, he made his name at Ligue 1 side Auxerre, meaning he regularly came up against Henry when the forward was at Monaco.

Following his retirement, West became a Pentecostal pastor and founded a church, titled 'Shelter in the Storm Miracle Ministries of All Nation', in his home country in 2014.

Advert

He said: "I used my church while I was in Milan to help the homeless and Nigerian women brought to Italy to become prostitutes.

"We gave them a place to stay, and from there we found them jobs and also helped them get their documents."

Featured Image Credit: CBS Sports

Topics: Thierry Henry, Football, Arsenal, Ligue 1, Barcelona, Champions League

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

26 mins ago
2 hours ago
3 hours ago
  • GettyGetty
    26 mins ago

    Benjamin Sesko's stats against Grimsby emerge and they look like a typo

    Benjamin Sesko made his first start for Manchester United against Grimsby Town.

    Football
  • GettyGetty
    2 hours ago

    Man Utd fans say one player's career 'is done' after dismal first half against Grimsby

    Manchester United are in Carabao Cup action against Grimsby Town.

    Football
  • Sky SportsSky Sports
    2 hours ago

    Sky Sports viewers left baffled by new Carabao Cup rule as 'pre-draw' takes place

    The third round draw for the Carabao Cup will take place after Grimsby Town vs Manchester United.

    Football
  • GettyGetty
    3 hours ago

    Alexander Isak bombshell could finally unlock Liverpool move as Newcastle set firm price tag

    Alexander Isak continues to be linked with Liverpool ahead of transfer deadline day.

    Football
  • Thierry Henry snubbed Rio Ferdinand when naming the four toughest defenders he'd faced during his playing career
  • Thierry Henry finally breaks silence on Viktor Gyokeres' decision to take his Arsenal squad number
  • Thierry Henry snubs football legend when naming the biggest hardman he played alongside at Barcelona
  • Thierry Henry didn't hesitate when choosing between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe