Thierry Henry Backs Mbappe for Ballon d'Or and Analyzes

Thierry Henry is shaping the football conversation ahead of the new season, making a major award prediction and offering sharp analysis on key transfers. The French legend has named his pick for the 2026 Ballon d'Or and delivered a significant verdict on Barcelona's summer business.

Who does Thierry Henry think should win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Henry has backed his compatriot Kylian Mbappe to claim the sport's top individual prize. Speaking on September 8, 2026, he argued the Real Madrid striker's incredible scoring feats should outweigh his lack of team trophies this year. "Ballon d'Or? Kylian for me deserves it," Henry said. "He was the best individually. He was the top goalscorer in the UCL, La Liga and World Cup." Mbappe scored 42 goals for Madrid, winning La Liga's Pichichi with 25 strikes and netting 15 in the Champions League. He then won the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup with 10 goals for France. Rivals like Spain's World Cup winner Lamine Yamal and England's Harry Kane, who won the Bundesliga, present strong cases, but Henry believes Mbappe's individual numbers are unmatched.

Is Rodri the new Sergio Busquets at Barcelona?

In his role as a CBS Sports pundit, Henry made a bold comparison about Barcelona's major summer signing. He declared that the club has finally found a true successor to the legendary Sergio Busquets in Rodri, who joined from Manchester City. "I would never have thought I'd see another Busquets," Henry admitted. "But today, with Rodri, Barça has found a new Busquets." He highlighted the Spaniard's positional intelligence and calming influence, noting the team looks different when he is fit.

What is Henry's view on Arsenal's quiet transfer window?

Speaking to The Athletic, Henry offered a surprising defense of Arsenal's relatively subdued summer. While rivals splashed cash, the Gunners sold attackers like Gabriel Martinelli and failed in big moves for Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez. Henry sees strength in continuity, not star power. He pointed to recent winners like Spain's World Cup team and Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League successes as proof that a strong collective often beats a collection of individuals.

How should Liverpool use their new star Bradley Barcola?

Henry sent direct advice to Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola on how to maximize the club's 145 million euro signing, Bradley Barcola. The key, he told Sky Sports, is to unleash the French winger's explosive pace. "With Barcola, the key is knowing how to use him," Henry explained. "Can you create one-on-one situations for him? And can you also involve him in counter-attacks?" He warned that asking Barcola to focus too much on defensive duties would be "counter-productive." Henry did note the player must improve his finishing, but believes his speed can be a decisive weapon in the Premier League.

• Ballon d'Or Pick: Thierry Henry selects Kylian Mbappe as his 2026 winner, citing the striker's status as top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup.
• Barcelona Verdict: Henry says summer signing Rodri is the closest thing Barcelona will find to a new Sergio Busquets, solving a long-standing midfield issue.
• Transfer Philosophy: He argues Arsenal's lack of major signings could be a strength, advocating for team cohesion over big-name transfers.
• Tactical Advice: Henry urges Liverpool to build their attack around Bradley Barcola's pace and dribbling, warning against overburdening him defensively.