Thierry Henry told Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani in a July 2026 Mayor’s Office interview that he loves New York City, remembers arriving in 1995, and described scoring on his loan return to Arsenal in an FA Cup match against Leeds as “the first time I scored a goal as a fan.” Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=192
# What’s happening
– Thierry Henry spoke with Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani about New York and Arsenal.
– The Mayor’s Office hosted and published the interview on August 8, 2026.
– Henry’s account of his FA Cup return goal concerned a loan return versus Leeds.
# Why it matters
– Fans of Arsenal, New York soccer supporters, and World Cup planners hear a primary first-person recollection.
– The remarks connect local civic events and World Cup-era public recognition of soccer figures.
# Key details
– Interview published August 8, 2026 by the NYC Mayor’s Office video channel.
– Henry said he first visited New York City in 1995 and that his son was born in the city.
– Henry described scoring on his loan return to Arsenal in an FA Cup match against Leeds.
– Henry said that goal was the first time he “scored a goal as a fan” at club level.
– City Council discussed co-naming a FanFest-area street for Thierry Henry during May 14, 2026 meetings (earlier coverage).
Thierry Henry told the mayor he has loved New York City since he first visited in 1995 and that the city’s mix of neighborhoods reminds him of his childhood neighborhood. Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=0
Thierry Henry said his son was born in New York City and that the city will “always be part of my life.” Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=66
**Thierry Henry**
– Role or jurisdiction: Former professional football (soccer) player and public figure.
– Action taken or responsibility: Gave a first-person interview to Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani about New York City and his playing career.
– Relevant numbers or dates: First visited New York City in 1995; interview published August 8, 2026. Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=66
Henry described his return to Arsenal on loan and scoring in an FA Cup match against Leeds. He said that night gave him “goosebumps” and that it was the first time he scored “a goal as a fan at a club level.” Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=192
Henry said that, after leaving Arsenal originally, the return goal made him realize “I was an Arsenal fan,” and that he had never felt so connected to a stadium; he also said he never had the chance to say goodbye to Arsenal fans on the field. Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=192
The interview did not include teammates, club staff, or fans recounting that match; the recollection in the Mayor’s Office program came from Henry himself. Source: https://youtu.be/sB-V-k9Vvl4&t=192
In earlier coverage of separate public meetings, New York City Council members discussed co-naming streets adjacent to World Cup FanFest sites for soccer figures, including proposals referencing Thierry Henry during the council’s May 14, 2026 stated meeting. That council discussion is external to the Mayor’s Office interview. Source (City Council, May 14, 2026): https://youtu.be/vlsbN-UpKzg&t=597 ; https://youtu.be/HLNVIKzlCjk&t=1075
City Hall and event planners are using public programs and street co-namings tied to World Cup FanFest locations as part of broader fan engagement and neighborhood events, according to earlier City Council remarks on May 14, 2026 (external coverage). Source (City Council, May 14, 2026): https://youtu.be/HLNVIKzlCjk&t=1075
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