From Arsenal to world cup glory: Henry wins BBC lifetime achievement award

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry is set to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. The 48-year-old, who retired from professional football in 2014, will receive the accolade during Thursday’s live broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 19:00 GMT, BBC Sport reported on Wednesday, Sport360NG reports.

Henry, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players, cemented his status as an Arsenal legend during two spells with the north London club. He scored 228 goals in 377 appearances, surpassing Ian Wright in 2005 to become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

During his time at Arsenal, Henry won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, playing a pivotal role in the club’s unbeaten 2003–04 “Invincibles” campaign. Individually, he claimed the Premier League Golden Boot four times, a record he shares with Alan Shearer, and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for six consecutive seasons.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Henry described the award as a deeply meaningful recognition of his contribution to football. “Football has given me everything and I gave it my all. To be recognised as part of its history with this Lifetime Achievement award and to have made my mark for the fans and my team-mates is something I’ll never take for granted,” he said.

Henry also enjoyed an illustrious international career with France, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, achievements that helped solidify his place among the sport’s all-time greats.

The Lifetime Achievement award celebrates Henry’s enduring impact on football, recognising a career marked by goals, trophies, and a lasting legacy at both club and international level.