Thierry Henry on Mbappé, Zidane, and His Coaching Future

Thierry Henry recently appeared on RMC's "Rothen s'enflamme," offering his perspective on the French national team, Zinedine Zidane, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ballon d'Or: 'I think Kylian Mbappé could win it'

Modern players have a support team dictating their actions, even on social media, a dynamic I don't fully grasp. The Ballon d'Or has become so prominent; my son, at the start of the year, before any games were played, asks about the winner. It's not about the Champions League or league titles anymore. It's all about the Ballon d'Or.

I understand the new generation's focus on this, with podcasts and social media constantly discussing it. We didn't have that. I saw Platini win the Euros and thought, 'That looks great.' We didn't dwell on individual awards back then. Now, it's ever-present, fueling constant discussion. My son talks about it, so I can see why players might want to address it themselves.

This year, the race isn't clear. The previous year, I felt Dembélé deserved it. I don't vote, so I'm not involved. When you look at Harry Kane, he's a favorite. But Michael Olise was named Bundesliga Player of the Year, and Jude Bellingham was England's best player. This contradicts Kane being the top player overall. If you aren't the best player at your club or on your national team, how can you be the world's best? I have nothing against Kane; I admire him. Bellingham was exceptional at the World Cup, though his Real Madrid season wasn't stellar. Rodri was outstanding at the World Cup but had issues with Manchester City. Lamine Yamal is impressing now but wasn't effective at the World Cup, which didn't stop Spain from winning. These are the small details voters might consider.

Ousmane Dembélé was the best French player but missed many league games last season. As for Kylian Mbappé, the criticism is his lack of trophies. However, I've seen many Ballon d'Or winners who didn't win major titles. Even in tournament years like the Euros or World Cup. The lack of team trophies is a valid point. Then there's Michael Olise, who has won everything: top assist provider in the Champions League and Bundesliga. Mbappé leads in goals; Olise leads in assists.

I believe Kylian could win it, yes. But for me, it's close with Michael. I'm French, and there's no harm in supporting our own. But the players I've mentioned are exceptional; we're splitting hairs. Whoever wins, it won't be undeserved.

Looking back at the World Cup, Kylian was the best French player. That's why the Ballon d'Or is so complex; everyone has their own criteria.

Ballon d'or: Thierry Henry's predictions

Zidane, 'on the level of God'

Zidane's arrival is extraordinary. For us in football, he's on the level of God. Having him with the French national team and seeing what he can bring to this generation, whom I also knew, is incredible. We've seen the players' reactions – their wide eyes are understandable because it's Zizou! He needs to deliver results, which he has done before, and he must continue. So, as I said for Didier Deschamps, good luck!

We're not here to lecture Zizou on his methods. He's always known his significance. When he arrives anywhere, it's always a major event, and he's always managed it well. I often say that dreaming while awake is living. He's experiencing what he always wanted. When you hear Zidane, you think of the French national team. When you talk about the French national team, you think of Zidane. It's a logical and deserved progression after his work at Real Madrid. His impact on the new and old generations, and on football itself, is immense. It's simply deserved and natural.

As a player, having a coach like Zizou makes you want to perform. You don't want to disappoint your hero. When Zizou joins a team, everyone knows – players, non-players, press, everyone. He's not just there for his status; he's competent. He's there because he works hard and can bring value to this new generation.

Henry: Zidane, 'on the level of God'

Can the Blues play well with Mbappé?

The priority is having Kylian on the field. Yes, the team can play well with him. It's the coach's responsibility to create the best possible setup for the team. This will be Zizou's task, just as it was Deschamps' and club coaches'. Finding balance is difficult, with or without Mbappé. Last year, when Manchester City lost Rodri, they became vulnerable to counter-attacks, even with Pep Guardiola coaching. Rodri at Barça, and the team concedes fewer goals while scoring just as many. This isn't an Mbappé problem; it's a coaching challenge. The coach must establish team balance.

Can the Blues play well with Mbappé? Thierry Henry's answer

'I had no doubt': Thierry Henry praises Olise, 'an exceptional guy'

Michael is unique, both on and off the field. He's an exceptional person. Sometimes, people don't fully understand him or his on-field decisions. But he's a model professional in every aspect, with and without the ball. His play with the ball is extraordinary, which everyone sees. But his work off the ball is remarkable. At the end of matches, he often leads in distance covered, ball recoveries, and overall play. His technical skill, like the flick and the overhead kick at the World Cup, is instinctual, not calculated like Zlatan's. He's a special player I've followed for a while, having seen him at Reading and Crystal Palace. He's a likable player who prioritizes the team. When asked about the Ballon d'Or, he suggested Harry Kane should win it. He's a unique talent. I had zero doubts about him. For players like him, you don't need to watch them twice. You know the moment they touch the ball. When I speak with friends, I tell them to watch Michael Olise, to observe his movements and intentions. He brings a sense of joy back to football, which has been challenging lately. He's different in his demeanor and speech. While his communication with journalists might not always land perfectly, it's not intentional; he's naturally shy and introverted, uncomfortable in the mixed zone. Crucially, he possesses a rare work ethic for a player with so much flair, contributing significantly defensively. He has a strong desire to play and represent France, having chosen them over England. His former coach at Reading mentioned he'd arrive early and sleep in his car to avoid being late for training. He's not relying solely on his talent, which is highly commendable.

Thierry Henry's compliments for Olise

Judging Cristiano Ronaldo on his departure from the Portuguese national team? 'Never, ever'

I wasn't present at the meeting with his coach and the federation president. They need to resolve their issues, just as we have our own in France. To judge an entire career based on that? Never. When I think of Ronaldo, I won't think about that, never, ever!

Regarding Ronaldo's legacy, there's nothing more to say. His impact on football is extraordinary. We all acknowledged his effort at the World Cup; it was supposedly his last. If it ends that way, I'm only discussing the player and his achievements. What truly stands out about Ronaldo is his mindset, his passion for football, his obsession with records, his drive to be the best, and his physical condition, which is better than when he started. Without that obsession, we wouldn't have seen the player he became. We've witnessed extraordinary moments with him. I have immense respect for Ronaldo, just as I do for Messi and all players who have maintained a high level.

Thierry Henry does not blame Cristiano Ronaldo

His future as a coach? 'I still have my diplomas...'

Frankly, I enjoyed coaching. I still have my diplomas and will reactivate them. I'll always be passionate, whether coaching or not. You must also consider your current situation and what you risk by taking a role where you have little control beyond your own work. However, your work might only yield results in six months, a year, or two years.

We see situations, especially in the English league, where clubs like Nottingham Forest change coaches frequently. You think, 'I'm building something, I'm a football director at On. Okay, I'll pause everything to coach, and I'm given four weeks.' What can you achieve in four weeks? You look around, consider your family, your children, and your location. People forget that coaches are often overlooked. Their well-being, mental state, and ability to relocate are not always considered. Some coaches leave the profession due to the immense mental toll. Even the great ones struggle. The French national team? Leave me alone! Zizou is the coach...

A future on the bench for Thierry Henry?