Henry responds to rumors about a return to Belgium and succeeding Deschamps

Thierry Henry is not in talks with the Belgian Football Association about returning as head coach of the Red Devils. The Frenchman, who previously served as an assistant coach for Belgium, has been mentioned as a potential successor to Domenico Tedesco.

Henry responds to rumors about a return to Belgium and succeeding Deschamps
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Tedesco’s tenure as Belgium’s national team coach appears increasingly uncertain just over a year and a half before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Reports in the Belgian media have begun to speculate about potential replacements, and one name that has surfaced prominently is that of Thierry Henry. The former World Cup and European Championship winner has a rich history with the Belgian national team, having previously served as an assistant coach under Roberto Martínez. During that time, Henry played a pivotal role in helping the team reach new heights, including a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Despite the rumors, Henry has dismissed suggestions that he is in talks with the Belgian Football Association. Speaking on the podcast Rothen s’enflamme, hosted by his former teammate Jérôme Rothen, Henry clarified his current position. “If I were on a list from the Belgian FA, they haven’t approached me yet,” he said. “There has been no contact at all with the Belgian FA.” While Henry’s denial may put some speculation to rest, it does little to quell the growing whispers about his potential return to Belgium, particularly given the high regard in which he is held by players and fans alike.

Henry’s career since leaving his assistant role with Belgium has taken an interesting trajectory. He stepped down as the head coach of the French Olympic football team following the Paris Olympics, a role that offered him the opportunity to guide young French talent on one of the world’s biggest stages. Since then, he has primarily focused on his work as an analyst for CBS, where his insightful commentary has further solidified his reputation as a deep thinker of the game. When asked about his coaching aspirations, Henry remained open-ended. “Do I prefer working with a club or a national team? I’m open to anything,” he said, leaving the door ajar for any potential opportunities.

Henry’s connection to the Belgian national team runs deep. Following the departure of Roberto Martínez, several prominent players, including star striker Romelu Lukaku, openly endorsed Henry as a potential successor. “After the coach [Martínez] left, there was indeed support for me in the locker room, and it feels good when certain people let you know that your work is appreciated,” Henry admitted. This vote of confidence from within the squad speaks volumes about his impact during his previous tenure and could bolster his candidacy should the Belgian FA decide to part ways with Tedesco.

Beyond Belgium, Henry’s name is also being linked with another high-profile coaching vacancy: the French national team. Didier Deschamps, who has been at the helm of Les Bleus since 2012, recently announced his intention to step down after the 2026 World Cup. Henry, a former teammate of Deschamps and a legend of French football, is well aware of the speculation surrounding the role. Zinédine Zidane, another iconic figure in French football, is widely considered the frontrunner to succeed Deschamps. “That’s something many people have been hoping for a long time, and it would be well deserved,” Henry said about Zidane’s potential appointment. When asked if he himself was a candidate, Henry remained non-committal. “Am I a candidate too? I don’t know. That’s something you’d have to ask the president of the French Football Federation.”

Henry’s potential return to coaching at the highest level is a tantalizing prospect for football fans. His playing career, which included stints at AS Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, and Barcelona, was defined by his ability to inspire and elevate those around him. Those same qualities have translated into his coaching endeavors, where his tactical acumen and ability to connect with players have been widely praised. Whether it’s with Belgium, France, or another team entirely, Henry’s next move will undoubtedly be closely watched.

For Belgium, the uncertainty surrounding Tedesco’s future adds another layer of complexity as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup cycle. With a golden generation of players nearing the twilight of their careers, the choice of head coach could prove decisive in determining whether the team can make a deep run in 2026. Henry’s familiarity with the squad, combined with his experience on the international stage, makes him an appealing option.

In France, the search for Deschamps’ successor will inevitably attract global attention. Zidane’s credentials as a three-time Champions League-winning coach with Real Madrid make him the obvious favorite, but Henry’s connection to the French team and his standing within the sport cannot be overlooked. Both nations face critical decisions in the coming months, and Henry’s future could play a significant role in shaping the next chapter of their footballing histories.