Thierry Henry’s most iconic moments for Arsenal, Barcelona, and the New York Red Bulls

Jack Fealy
17 August 2021

Thierry Henry blessed fans across the globe with his dazzling goalscoring ability. Supporters of Arsenal, Barcelona and the NY Red Bulls witnessed some standout moments that will never be forgotten.

From humble beginnings at Monaco and Juventus to success at Arsenal and Barcelona, Thierry Henry enjoyed an illustrious career.

Renowned for his trademark long sleeves and gloves, he was an outstanding finisher, blessed with an ice-cold temperament.

It is hard to believe that the French international never received a Ballon d'Or for his efforts. However, Henry picked up plenty of silverware, winning the Premier League twice with Arsenal, as well as lifting the Champions League at Barcelona, before making his way to MLS with New York Red Bulls.

Now assistant coach at Belgium, Planet Sport marks Henry's birthday with some of his most iconic on-pitch moments.

Wonder volley against Manchester United - 2000/01

This Henry goal sums the Frenchman up. Pure imagination and class under pressure. In Henry's second season for Arsenal, the striker executed one of the most unbelievable goals ever scored at the club's former home, Highbury.

Henry had a poor start to the 2000/01 campaign, failing to score in his previous six appearances for the Gunners. This made his goal against Manchester United even more extraordinary.

After collecting a Gilles Grimandi pass, Henry pulled off a remarkable first-time flick and swivel. He was quickly away from defender Denis Irwin and then unleashed an outstanding volley, which looped over goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.

This goal will forever be embedded in the memory of Arsenal fans, truly one to remember.

First Premier League title - 2001/02

In the Frenchman's third season in north London, he truly announced himself as an Arsenal player.

Henry secured his first Golden Boot for the Gunners, scoring 24 league goals, one ahead of Chelsea's Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

As well as his own personal success, Henry claimed his first Premier League title as Arsenal wrapped up the league at Old Trafford courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

The win also confirmed Arsenal's third double, as the Gunners had won the FA Cup four days earlier, beating Chelsea 2-0.

Henry's third season in England was just a taster of what was to come.

A statue-worthy celebration - Henry vs Tottenham Hotspur - 2002

Early on in Arsenal's 2002/03 campaign, Henry delivered a famous celebration against fierce north London rivals Tottenham. A moment so iconic it would be turned into a statue.

Once again, the French striker displayed his trademark dribbling and composure, with an outstanding solo goal, creating history at Highbury once again.

Picking up the ball in his own half, Henry dribbled away from the threat of Matthew Etherington. With the Tottenham defenders retreating, the striker sidestepped Stephen Carr, before burying a sweet left-foot finish past Kasey Keller.

You thought his goal was good? His celebration was even better. After Highbury erupted, Henry ran the length of the pitch to knee slide in front of the travelling Spurs supporters, rubbing salt further into the wounds.

So good a statue, recreating his iconic celebration, was placed outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

Hat-trick vs Liverpool - 2003/04

The Gunners were on for a potential treble in the 2003/04 season. However, after getting knocked out of both the FA Cup and the Champions League, Arsenal were left with just the Premier League to focus on.

Unbeaten in the league, Arsenal looked set for their first defeat of the season when Liverpool led 2-1 at half-time despite a Henry goal.

Robert Pires equalised early in the second to draw the two teams level and Henry then conjured up some magic.

The Frenchman picked the ball up deep in Liverpool's half and evaded challenges from Dietmar Hamann and Jamie Carragher before tucking the ball past Jerzy Dudek to put his side ahead.

Henry then completed his hat-trick to confirm the victory and put Arsenal seven points clear at the top.

Invincible - 2003/04

Henry helped achieved the unthinkable at Arsenal, something that hasn't been done since - winning the Premier League without losing a single game.

When Arsene Wenger predicted an unbeaten season, he was mocked. But Arsenal delivered on his promise, winning 26 games and drawing 12 of their 38 games.

Henry was integral to the history-making run, scoring 30 goals in 37 league games to pick up another Golden Boot.

To top it off, the Gunners won the league at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane. A cherry on the top of Henry's standout career.

Becoming Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer - 2005

In October 2005, Henry became Arsenal's greatest ever goalscorer, passing the legendary Ian Wright's 185-goal-mark.

The goalscoring did not stop at 186. The Frenchman would eventually score 228 goals for Arsenal in all competitions. A record that remains in place to this day.

Henry notched most regularly against Leeds United, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Charlton - 12 against each team. Chelsea (10) and Manchester United (9) came next on the list to prove Henry could score against the big clubs, too.

A genius in front of goal and a nightmare for defenders.

'The Gunner Galactico' - Henry vs Real Madrid - 2005/06

Henry had experienced domestic success with Arsenal, winning the Premier League and FA Cup twice with the club. However, the striker was on a quest for European glory in the Champions League.

Arsenal had a huge hurdle to clear against Spanish giants Real Madrid, especially as no English side had ever won at the Bernabeu. But once again, the Arsenal captain would run the show on Spanish soil.

A trademark Henry goal would change history. The striker picked up the ball in the centre circle, riding the challenges of defenders. He beat a young Sergio Ramos before shooting past Iker Casillas and into the far corner for the only goal of the game.

That year Arsenal reached the Champions League final. However, Henry would not achieve his dream as the Gunners lost 2-1 to Barcelona.

Triple success at Barcelona

After his eight year stay at Arsenal, Henry left his beloved club to join Barcelona for £16million. The Frenchman was the final piece in one of the deadliest strikeforces in Barcelona history, as he partnered up with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o.

In his second season at Camp Nou, Henry was part of another historic team that went on to win the treble. He won the La Liga and Copa del Rey, as well as the Champions League.

The Frenchman scored 26 goals in all competitions from left wing, and played a huge role in Barcelona's success.

Hat-trick against Montreal Impact

After further success at Barcelona, Henry made the move to MLS.

He joined New York Red Bulls in 2010 and played a major role in expanding the popularity of soccer in the USA. The striker scored 52 goals for the Red Bulls and had a number of standout games.

In 2012, Henry scored an impressive hat-trick against Montreal Impact, the club he would later manage.

Henry headed New York level in the first half, then put the Red Bulls 3-2 ahead after a perfect reverse shot from outside the box, beating Donovan Ricketts in goal.

The Red Bulls scored a fourth before Henry secured his hat-trick, dinking the ball past Ricketts.

Henry's return to Arsenal vs Leeds United - 2012

In a shock January transfer in 2012, during the MLS off-season, Henry returned home to Arsenal. The Gunners legend signed a two-month loan contract, covering for players going to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Henry made his long-awaited return against Leeds in an FA Cup third round tie and marked his comeback in style.

An astute ball into Henry from Alex Song allowed the striker to perform a trademark finish, sidefooting into the bottom right corner.

It was the only goal of the game and, typically for Henry, the match-winner.