Thierry Henry Names Historic Arsenal Goal As His Career Favourite

By The Editor
on 13th October 2023

Thierry Henry made it clear on his favourite goal of his career…

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry named his goal against Leeds United in 2012 as his career-best as it was the first one that felt like a fan scoring for his boyhood club, he told The Rest is Football podcast.

Henry returned in 2012 on a short-term loan from New York Red Bulls in the January window as Arsene Wenger looked to bolster an injury-ravaged squad.

It marked five years since the iconic Frenchman departed for Barcelona and while the searing pace was no longer there, he still had the intelligence and finishing ability to make a difference.

With the game at a stalemate and potentially heading towards a replay at Elland Road, Wenger introduced Henry ahead of what was to be a fairytale moment.

Alex Song looked up to see ‘The King’ hanging around his favourite inside-left channel and slipped him the ball – and then it happened.

“Henry. Chance. Goal!” said commentator Jon Champion.

Henry stated that he was overcome with a wave of emotion he’s never felt before or since and the record goalscorer admitted that he was fighting back tears as he celebrated with Wenger.

“My favourite goal is the Leeds goal,” Henry explained.

“People will say ‘what? First round of the cup and Leeds are in the Championship’.

“But it’s the first time I scored a goal for my club as a fan. It’s the first time I also let myself go after a goal, you see that. I was virtually on the verge of crying.”

Most fans will likely share Henry’s sentiment, it felt like a Hollywood storyline unfolding before our eyes. Ever since he departed for Barcelona, every fans’ wild dream was probably to see him return for one more game.

He did return, not just for one game but for a few, and he scored three goals (yes, that Blackburn one should’ve been his).

Check out the video below to see Henry explain his favourite goal.