What is next for Thierry Henry after stepping down as France Under-21 coach

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has resigned from his role as head coach of the French Under-21 team.

The Gunners legend took over the side in 2023, signing a two-year deal that would have seen him take charge of the French side at the 2025 European Under-21 Championships in Slovakia.

During Thierry Henry’s tenure, he won four out of six matches with the under-21s, and also took charge of the French Under-23 team at their home Olympics in Paris, winning eight out of eleven games.

But despite his successes, it appears the 47-year-old is all but done with managing the youthful Bleus.

Thierry Henry resigns as France Under-21s coach

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Monday that Henry has decided to step down from his role due to personal reasons, despite securing a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics.

The Frenchman cited ‘personal reasons’ behind his decision to resign from his role in an FFF news release.

“Winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games for my country will remain one of the greatest prides of my life”, said Henry, whose France side were defeated 5-3 by Spain in the final.

“I am incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff, and the supporters who allowed me to live a magical experience”.

Regarding the 47-year-old’s departure, 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”, adding that he showed “great professionalism” and “his love of the blue shirt”.

France finished top of their group in the Olympics, defeating the likes of USA and New Zealand before securing victories over Argentina and Egypt in the knockout stages.

What’s next for Thierry Henry?

With Henry deciding to leave his role with the France Under-21 squad due to personal reasons, it is likely that he will take a break from management for now.

Having previously worked alongside Roberto Martinez as an assistant coach for the Belgian senior side, the Frenchman has all the necessary skills to be a successful head coach in the future.

The Arsenal icon was also involved in the Gunners’ youth set-up in the past, as well as taking managerial roles at Monaco and most recently CF Montreal.

There were even rumours circulating before the Olympics linking Henry with the Scotland job,

With a wealth of experience both as a player and a head coach, it remains to be seen whether Henry will return to the dugout, or if he will decide to put his managerial career to bed.