Thierry Henry has been sharply criticised for his comments to Lamine Yamali, as Barcelona’s star accepted the award for best new talent at the 2026 Golden Ball ceremony held in London.
The biggest football stars gathered at the London Padladium theatre, where Harry Kane triumphed over Kylian Mbrappes and Yamal in the race for the top prize after a record season in 2025/26. The English striker helped Bayern Munichu win double the local trophy, while England finished the World Cup in third.
Although he failed to win the Golden Ball, Yamali had a successful evening, declaring himself the best young male talent. The award was handed to Barcelona and Arsenal’s former striker, Thierry Henry, who presented the ceremony with Kate Scott.
Yamali, who had won this award in the 1920s and 2025s, received positive attention when he declared from the scene: This award was to meet Pau Chubars.
However, Henry’s batta towards Spanish talent was not well received by many fans.
He’s the third one for you, isn’t he? But is this the prize you really wanted to win?
Yamali laughed and answered briefly: No, even some in attendance, including Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta.
Reactions on social networks did not delay, with many fans criticising Henry for his comment.
Terry Henry should never get an invitation again to present a ceremony. It’s embarrassing to ask such a question as Yamal. Totally disrespectful, wrote a fan.
Another reacted even louder: Imagine being a grown man and publicly humiliating a 19-year-old who has already finished second and third in the Golden Ball race. The arrogance, grief, and total lack of class are truly disgusting. The fact that Yamal smiled throughout that situation showed more maturity than Henry could dream of having.
Another commentator estimated that the blanket was unnecessary, stressing that Yamali had just accepted another prize for the new talent and was evidently disappointed that he did not win the Golden Ball.
That’s the price you wanted tonight? However, Lamine managed the situation perfectly and immediately passed the attention of Cubbarsı, he wrote.
Meanwhile, another fan briefly summed up Henry’s reaction: Henry is ruthless. He hit Yamal where it hurts most. /Telegraph/