The French Football Federation has named Former French striker Thierry Henry as the new head coach of the country’s Under-21 team until 2025.
Henry was assigned as the new head coach, according to a statement released by the French Football Federation on Monday. However, the Arsenal legend will lead the team at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris next year.
He is taking over from Sylvain Ripoll, who got dismissed after France’s early exit at this year’s European Under-21s. Gerald Baticle, the former Angers manager, will join Henry’s staff as an assistant coach.
Having scored the second most goals for France, Henry is returning to coaching after leaving his role as Belgium’s assistant coach following last year’s World Cup. He had previously coached Arsenal’s youth teams, managed AS Monaco in Ligue 1, and led Montreal in Major League Soccer.
In 2014, Henry concluded his playing career as Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer with 228 goals. He also earned 123 caps and scored 51 goals for France during his playing days.
Henry will make his debut as the head of the Under-21s in a friendly match against Denmark on Sept. 7.
After that, France will face Slovenia in the Euro qualifiers just four days later.
