Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has defended his controversial joke about Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, insisting that he never intended to disrespect the Spanish star.

Henry, who co-hosted Monday’s ceremony with Kate Scott, faced criticism from football fans after jokingly questioning whether Yamal really wanted the Kopa Trophy, an award presented to the world’s best young player.

Yamal won the trophy for the third consecutive time, but Henry’s remarks sparked a backlash, with some fans interpreting the joke as a suggestion that the 18-year-old was too concerned about individual honours.

Responding to the criticism in a video shared on Instagram, Henry said his comments had been misunderstood and stressed that he was a strong admirer of the Barcelona forward.

“For Lamine Yamal, I wasn’t checking his ego at all. I just thought that, as the third time that he’s winning that trophy, I just asked him if that’s the one that he really wanted,” Henry said.

The former Barcelona forward explained that he had expected Yamal to challenge for the main Ballon d’Or award, which was won by England captain Harry Kane.

“I am a big fan of Lamine Yamal. I wasn’t checking his ego whatsoever. That you didn’t like the joke, I can understand, but please don’t do that. He’s one of the players that I will pay to watch. I love him,” he added.

Henry expressed disappointment that Yamal did not win the main award, describing the teenager as an exceptional talent whose performances he thoroughly enjoys.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t win it, because he’s a hell of a player that I enjoy to watch,” he said.

The 49-year-old also addressed criticism over a separate joke involving his co-host, Scott, after viewers accused him of mocking her pronunciation of the name Socrates, the late Brazilian football legend.

Henry denied attempting to embarrass Scott, insisting that she had been aware of the joke beforehand and had participated in the exchange.

“Kate was with me on that joke,” he said, adding that she had deliberately pronounced the name in a way that set up his response.

He urged fans to stop interpreting the exchange as disrespect towards his colleague.

“Again, that you didn’t like the joke, I understand. But please stop saying that I disrespect Kate. I will never do that,” Henry said.

The former France international also clarified his comments about Kane, explaining that although he supported fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, he believed the England captain deserved recognition for his achievements.

Henry said he had congratulated Kane on winning the Ballon d’Or, praising his dedication, discipline and work ethic.

“You are a worthy winner. You deserve it. You are the example of what I always call: work ethic is a talent, working hard is a talent,” Henry recalled telling Kane.

He added that he had referred to the striker as “Sir Harry Kane” since the World Cup as a mark of respect for his accomplishments.

Concluding his response, Henry urged fans not to read disrespect into his jokes, reiterating his admiration for Yamal and Kane and his respect for Scott.

“So please, people out there. Relax. I love Harry Kane, I love Lamine Yamal. And I didn’t disrespect Kate. She was in on the joke with me. Have a good night, see you soon,” he said.

Henry’s explanation came amid continued debate among football fans over the tone of the Ballon d’Or ceremony and how presenters should engage with players during high-profile award events.