Henry was not only the first man to win back to back Footballer of the Year awards, he went on to win it an unprecedented three times.
At international and club level Henry won the lot. A World and European Champion with France by the age of 22, Henry added two Premier League titles and two FA Cups to his name at Arsenal, before transferring to Barcelona in order to fulfil his ambition of a Champions League title, something he achieved in 2009.
By the time of his retirement Henry was the all time top scorer for both France and Arsenal, with 51 and 228 goals respectively.
Henry won the Premier League golden boot a record four times during his career, with one of those coming in 2003-04, the first unbeaten league season since Preston North End in 1888-89.
In Henry’s three FWA winning seasons he scored or assisted an astonishing 158 goals in 151 appearances. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said of Henry:
“During his career with Arsenal, Thierry won the FWA Footballer of the Year three times, and each was justly deserved because during those seasons, there was no better player in the Premier League.
“Thierry was really special. During his best period with Arsenal, he could make the difference at any time, and score anywhere at any moment.
"When he really had decided 'now I will do it', he always did it. Nobody could stop him."
A fitting tribute to a phenomenal player.
What Thierry said:
"As I always say in football it is all about the team and without my team-mates I would not have won this award. What I am especially proud of, though, is that I am the first person to win the Footballer of the Year trophy three times.
"It's always pleasing to be the first to achieve something - it's a little piece of history. I would like to thank all of the Football Writers' Association members who voted for me. It's a wonderful honour and I feel very privileged."
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