Thierry Henry addresses backlash following remarks made while hosting the Ballon d'Or, asserting they were intended as jokes and clarifying his admiration for young player Lamine Yamal.

Thierry Henry has responded to criticism over comments he made during the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday night. The former Arsenal star faced backlash for his remarks directed at Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, overall winner Harry Kane, and co-host Kate Scott, which some perceived as disrespectful.

In a video posted on social media, Henry expressed that he was surprised by the negative reactions, stating that people were getting overly excited about nothing. He emphasized his respect for Yamal and clarified that his comments were meant in jest.

Henry joked with Lamine Yamal about whether winning the Kopa Trophy was the award he truly desired, referencing the fact that Yamal was also a contender for the Ballon d'Or.

He defended his remarks regarding Scott's pronunciation of Socrates, explaining that she was aware of the joke and that he would never intentionally disrespect her.

Henry acknowledged that while he supported fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, he recognized Kane as a deserving winner of the Ballon d'Or, praising his work ethic.

He encouraged critics to relax, reiterating his admiration for both Kane and Yamal, and insisted that his comments were misinterpreted.

The controversy highlights the challenges public figures face during high-profile events. As the football world digests the fallout from the ceremony, Henry's next public appearance is highly anticipated.