- Thierry Henry named Raphael Varane, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Eden Hazard as players who deserved the Ballon d’Or
- Varane and Hazard have since retired early due to injuries, while Griezmann missed out on the 2025 shortlist
- Mbappe scored 44 goals in his debut Real Madrid season but faces stiff competition from rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham
French legend Thierry Henry has revealed four players he believes were worthy Ballon d’Or winners – but it now appears none of them will lift the prestigious prize.
Despite being regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Henry himself never claimed the award, with his best finish coming in 2003 when he placed second behind Pavel Nedved.
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The last Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or was Zinedine Zidane in 1998, but two decades later, after France’s second World Cup triumph, Henry publicly backed a compatriot to take home the honour.
Thierry Henry’s 4 Ballon d’Or snubs
Following France’s 2018 World Cup win, Henry identified Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann as standout candidates, alongside “alien” Kylian Mbappe, who played a starring role in Didier Deschamps’ squad.
He also named Eden Hazard, whom he worked with during his time on Belgium’s coaching staff, praising the Belgian’s exceptional all-round display in Russia.
“I think it would be a shame if a French player does not win the Ballon d’Or, apart from Eden Hazard because he was extraordinary at every World Cup match — defensively and on the counter-attack,” Henry told Sky Sports.
“But logically, a French player should win. Why not Varane? He won the Champions League, he was very strong. There is the alien Kylian Mbappe, and also Antoine Griezmann. But I can also mention many players.”
Where They Stand Now
Griezmann ended up finishing third in the 2018 Ballon d’Or voting, as Luka Modric broke the Lionel Messi–Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly after winning the Champions League and leading Croatia to a World Cup final.
Varane and Hazard have since retired earlier than expected due to injury troubles, while Griezmann remains a key figure for Atletico Madrid but did not make the 2025 shortlist.
Mbappe, meanwhile, finished third behind Messi and Erling Haaland in 2023 and impressed in his debut season for Real Madrid with 44 goals.
However, with rising stars like Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Desire Doue making waves, there is growing speculation that the 26-year-old may have missed his best chance to claim the award.
Source: YEN.com.gh
