Premier League icon Thierry Henry and Lioness legend Karen Carney OBE were honoured with the prestigious Legends of Football Award as the event celebrated its landmark 30th anniversary in support of music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins.
As the 2026 recipients of the award, Henry and Carney were recognised for their outstanding contributions to football, joining an illustrious roll call of some of the game’s most influential figures.
Held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, this year’s anniversary event marked three decades of Legends of Football recognising footballing excellence while raising vital funds for Nordoff & Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
Since its launch in 1996, Legends of Football has raised more than £9 million in support of Nordoff & Robbins and its life-changing music therapy services across the UK. Over the past 30 years, the event has become one of the most prestigious dates in the sporting calendar, bringing together football legends, current stars and leading figures from across sport and entertainment in support of the charity’s work.
Henry and Carney now join an esteemed list of previous Legends of Football Award recipients including Sir Alex Ferguson, Pelé, David Beckham, Arsène Wenger, Emma Hayes, Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, Jill Scott and Fara Williams.
The evening welcomed guests from across football, sport and entertainment, including Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, Jermaine Defoe, Theo Walcott, Chris Hughton, Roy Hodgson, Ellen White, Sam Allardyce, David Moyes, Chris Robshaw, Rachel Yankey and Shannon Ryan, alongside many others who came together to celebrate the milestone anniversary and support Nordoff & Robbins.
Accepting the award, Thierry Henry said: “I am incredibly honoured to be receiving the 2026 Legends of Football Award. Football has given me so much, and this recognition means a great deal to me. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my teammates, coaches, and my family, who have all played such an important part in my journey.
I’m very proud to be part of such a special evening celebrating football and music, all in support of Nordoff & Robbins. Their work is vital in helping children and young people with profound learning difficulties to connect and communicate through music. What they do truly makes a huge difference to individuals, families, and society.”
Karen Carney OBE said: “I’m absolutely honoured to receive this year’s Legends of Football Award. I’m incredibly humbled to be recognised alongside some of the true greats of the women’s game including former Lioness teammates Jill Scott, Ellen White and Fara Williams. Evenings like this play a huge role in helping Nordoff & Robbins improve people’s lives and I’m really looking forward to celebrating and supporting the wonderful work they do.”
As Legends of Football celebrates its 30th anniversary, the event continues to honour the people who have shaped the game while raising vital funds to support Nordoff & Robbins’ life-changing music therapy services for thousands of people across the UK.
Since 1996, Legends of Football has honoured some of the biggest names in the game, raising more than £9 million for Nordoff & Robbins and helping transform lives through the power of music therapy.