Didier Drogba Says Thierry Henry Deserved the Ballon d'Or "

Didier Drogba Says Thierry Henry Deserved the Ballon d’Or “Like Ten Times”

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba recently spoke on the Ballon d’Or, sharing his belief that there is one player who, despite never receiving the prestigious honor, undoubtedly deserved it. The Ivorian forward, widely respected for his achievements at Chelsea, now regularly serves as a presenter at the Ballon d’Or gala. In an interview with B/R Football, Drogba named former Arsenal and French national team star Thierry Henry as the player most deserving of a Ballon d’Or yet never won.

When asked about his opinion, Drogba didn’t hesitate, stating passionately, “Thierry Henry.” He elaborated, “He deserved it like ten times. I think he was fantastic, in the Premier League and also with the [French] National Team.” Drogba praised Henry’s skill, leadership, and exceptional performances, particularly highlighting his impact in the Champions League and his ability to win games almost single-handedly for his teams.

Henry, known for his precision, speed, and finesse, was an unstoppable force, particularly in the early 2000s, a period when he was consistently recognized as one of the best in the game. Drogba mentioned Henry’s unmatched skill, describing how he was able to change games on his own and carry his teams through difficult moments. “He was exceptional, his goals in the Champions League, winning games single-handedly for his team. I mean… we’re talking about Thierry Henry. I don’t think there’s anything more to say,” Drogba remarked.

Between 2000 and 2006, Henry was frequently acknowledged as one of the year’s top players, receiving both Premier League and French national awards. However, he narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or each year, as it was awarded to other legendary players of that era, including Luis Figo, Michael Owen, Ronaldo Nazário, Pavel Nedved, Andriy Shevchenko, Ronaldinho, and Fabio Cannavaro.

For Drogba, the question wasn’t just about Henry’s skill or technical ability; it was also about the consistency of his contributions. The Ivorian forward argued that Henry was a consistent game-changer for both his club and country. The French forward enjoyed several standout seasons, notably 2001 and 2003, when he led Arsenal to Premier League titles, topping the league in goals and providing a pivotal contribution to his team’s success. Drogba specifically noted how Henry’s contributions to Arsenal’s famed “Invincibles” season in 2004, where the team went unbeaten in the league, showcased his exceptional talent and leadership.

Beyond his achievements with Arsenal, Henry also left a significant mark on the French national team. He was a key figure in France’s success, scoring pivotal goals and performing under pressure. Though France had other stars, Henry’s contributions often stood out as defining moments for the team. Drogba’s comments pointed to the broader impact Henry had not only on his own teams but also on the global game during that era.

In seasons like 2004 and 2005, when Henry won back-to-back Golden Boots as Europe’s top scorer, there were strong arguments for his case as the Ballon d’Or winner. Yet, despite his incredible talent and notable achievements, he was passed over. Thierry Henry’s legacy remains undisputed, and though he never won the Ballon d’Or, he is still regarded as one of Arsenal’s all-time greats and an icon of their golden years.