London, 18th February 2026 – Legends of Football are to honour Premier League icon, Thierry Henry and Lioness legend, Karen Carney OBE with the prestigious award at a star-studded event at London’s JW Marriot Grosvenor House London on Monday 5th October 2026 in aid of the music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
The two-time Premier League champion and WSL winner will be officially unveiled at the event this autumn, joining an esteemed list of recipients including Pelé, David Beckham, Arsène Wenger and most recently, Jill Scott and Gary Lineker.
On the announcement of his 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 and 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.”
On accepting the award, Karen Carney 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 and Robbins improve people’s lives and I’m really looking forward to celebrating and supporting the wonderful work they do.”
Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best night in the football social calendar”, the Legends of Football event is an annual charity fundraising night, supported by the Premier League, in aid of music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins. The event has raised a staggering £9 million to date since 1997 when John Charles CBE was the first recipient.
Peter Leathem OBE, Legends of Football Chairman commented, “I’m delighted to recognise two true legends of the sport, Thierry Henry and Karen Carney, who are both wholly deserving of the 2026 Legends of Football award.
Thierry Henry is, without doubt, a Premier League legend and, for many, the greatest player the league has ever seen. His influence in the Premier League and on the international stage has been truly generational, setting personal records wherever he played and collecting major honours both domestically and for his country. Beyond the trophies and accolades, the inspiration he has provided to generations of young players has been extraordinary.
In the same vein, Karen Carney stands as a true stalwart of the women’s game. With an outstanding 144 caps for the Lionesses – the third highest in England’s history – her career is a testament to longevity and excellence at the highest level. Competing in four World Cups and European Championships, both internationally and domestically, Karen has played a vital role in the growth and evolution of the women’s game.”
Thierry Henry’s journey to becoming one of football’s most iconic figures began at AS Monaco, where he emerged from the club’s youth academy under the guidance of Arsène Wenger. He made his senior debut in 1994 at just 17 years old and quickly showcased his pace, intelligence and finishing ability. Henry helped Monaco win the Ligue 1 title in 1996-97 and announced himself on the global stage at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer as France lifted the trophy on home soil.
Following a brief spell at Juventus, Henry reunited with Wenger at Arsenal in 1999, a move that would define his career. Converted from a winger into a centre-forward, he flourished in the Premier League, becoming one of the most devastating attackers the competition has ever seen. Across eight seasons in his first spell at Arsenal, Henry made 258 Premier League appearances, scoring a club-record 175 goals and providing 74 assists – numbers that underline his unique blend of creativity and ruthlessness. He won the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions and remains Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer with 228 goals in all competitions.
Henry was the driving force behind Arsenal’s most successful modern era, winning two Premier League titles (2001-02 and 2003-04) and two FA Cups. The 2003-04 “Invincibles” season, in which Arsenal went unbeaten throughout the league campaign, stands as one of the greatest achievements in English football history, with Henry scoring 30 league goals that season. Individually, he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice, FWA Footballer of the Year three times, and finished as UEFA Champions League top scorer in 2002.
In 2007, Henry moved to Barcelona, where he continued to collect major honours. He was a key part of Pep Guardiola’s historic treble-winning side in 2008-09, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League in the same season. After a brief and emotional return to Arsenal on loan in 2012, Henry finished his playing career with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer.
On the international stage, Henry earned 123 caps for France and scored 51 goals, becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer at the time of his retirement. Alongside his 1998 World Cup triumph, he also won UEFA Euro 2000 and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2003, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful players in French football history.
Following his retirement, Henry transitioned into coaching and media work. He has held coaching roles with Belgium’s national team, serving as assistant coach during their run to third place at the 2018 World Cup, and has managed AS Monaco and CF Montréal in Major League Soccer. Alongside his coaching career, Henry has become one of football’s most respected pundits, appearing regularly on Sky Sports in the UK and CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage in the United States, where his insight, authority and charisma have made him a standout voice in the modern game.
Karen Carney is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of English women’s football, with a career defined by excellence, longevity and a lasting impact on the game. Born in Birmingham, Carney began her footballing journey at a young age and made her senior debut for Birmingham City as a teenager, quickly establishing herself as a technically gifted and versatile midfielder.
Her international career began in 2005, and Carney would go on to earn an extraordinary 144 caps for England – the third-highest total in Lionesses history. She represented her country across four FIFA Women’s World Cups and four UEFA European Championships, becoming a mainstay of England sides for over 15 years. One of the highlights of her international career came at the 2015 World Cup in Canada, where she played a pivotal role in England’s run to a historic third-place finish, scoring crucial goals and being named in the tournament’s All-Star Team.
At club level, Carney enjoyed a distinguished career across England, the United States and beyond. She represented several leading clubs, including Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Chicago Red Stars. During her time at Arsenal, she lifted the FA Women’s Cup in 2008, while spells with Chelsea and Birmingham further underlined her consistency at the top of the domestic game. In the United States, she competed in both the Women’s Professional Soccer league and the NWSL, gaining valuable international experience and enhancing her reputation as one of Europe’s finest midfielders.
Individually, Carney’s talent and influence were widely recognised. She was named PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2010 and was a regular inclusion in PFA Teams of the Year throughout her career. Her technical ability, intelligence and leadership made her a role model for a generation of players during a period of rapid growth and increased visibility for the women’s game.
Carney retired from professional football in 2019, but her contribution to the sport has only continued to grow. She has since transitioned seamlessly into punditry and broadcasting, becoming one of the most respected voices in football analysis. Regularly appearing across major broadcasters including Sky Sports and the BBC, she has provided expert insight on domestic and international football, playing a key role in bringing the women’s game to wider audiences.
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, said:“We are really looking forward to celebrating the incredible careers of Thierry Henry and Karen Carney at this year’s Legends of Football event. Football and music share a deep and powerful connection, and this evening is always one of the highlights of the year, bringing those two worlds together for a night of celebration, fun and fundraising. On behalf of everyone at Nordoff and Robbins, I would like to thank Thierry, Karen and all those involved in making this event possible. Every penny raised goes towards helping us make sure that music is accessible and equal for every person that needs it.”