Thierry Henry responds to backlash over his question to Lamine Yamal at the Ballon d’Or: ‘I’m a big fan’

Thierry Henry explained his question to Lamine Yamal at the Ballon d’Or, saying he was not checking the teenager’s ego and calling himself “a big fan”. Thierry Henry has come out to explain a question he asked Lamine Yamal during the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, after a wave of criticism on social media. The former France international, who co-hosted the gala, said he never meant to disrespect the Barcelona winger and insisted he is “a big fan” of the 19-year-old.