Thierry Henry to Present 2026 Ballon d'Or and Drives Women's Football Boot Revolution

Thierry Henry is back on the global stage tonight, co-hosting the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium with his CBS Sports colleague Kate Scott. The event marks a high-profile return to broadcasting for the Arsenal and France legend, who is simultaneously driving a major off-field project aimed at revolutionizing equipment for women's football.

Ballon d'Or Hosting Duties Reunite Iconic Duo

Henry and Scott will present football's biggest individual prize this evening, a role that capitalizes on their established chemistry from years on American television. Their partnership, however, has not been without its memorable hiccups. In May 2023, a live on-air gaffe saw Scott accidentally introduce their CBS Sports broadcast as "FOX Sports." The mistake prompted an instantly mortified reaction from Henry, who turned to walk off set, while fellow pundits Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher collapsed in laughter. Scott joked at the time that she feared being fired. That incident, and their recovery from it, has only solidified their reputation as a compelling and human broadcast team ahead of tonight's prestigious event.

While he is presenting the award, Henry's own history with the Ballon d'Or is one of near misses. The former striker, renowned for his devastating pace and clinical finishing for Arsenal and Barcelona, finished as a runner-up twice. He was second to Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho in 2003 and again to Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. Those high placements underline a career where he was consistently among the world's elite, a status that makes him a fitting host for a ceremony where Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal are the current favourites.

Henry's Plan for a Women's Football Revolution

Away from the spotlight, Henry is working on a significant long-term project to advance the women's game. As head of football at Swiss sportswear company On, he is leading the development of football boots designed specifically for female players. "There are female players wearing men's boots, and this is not normal," Henry said. The initiative uses LightSpray technology to create a seamless, ultra-lightweight upper for better comfort and performance. Barcelona midfielder Sydney Schertenleib is providing professional input, and the company is targeting the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil as the launch platform for the new range.

Broadcasting Chemistry Forged in Fire

Henry's partnership with Kate Scott extends beyond a single blooper. Their dynamic, built over years covering the Champions League, is defined by a professional ease that can handle unexpected moments. This chemistry is why they are the chosen pair for a global event like the Ballon d'Or. Their ability to blend analysis with relatable humour, even when things go slightly wrong, is a key part of their appeal to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

• Key Takeaways: Thierry Henry co-hosts the 2026 Ballon d'Or with Kate Scott tonight at the London Palladium. He finished second in the Ballon d'Or voting in 2003 and 2006. Henry is leading a project at On to create football boots designed specifically for female players, with input from Barcelona's Sydney Schertenleib.