Former France striker Thierry Henry opens up about lifelong struggle with depression
Thierry Henry, the former France striker and current U-21 coach of his country, has revealed that he has struggled with depression since childhood and that it resurfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview, the 1998 world champion stated that he had been dealing with the issue for many years but had not fully understood it or sought help for it.
“I lied for a long time because society was not prepared to listen to what I had to say,” Henry said in an interview with the podcast “The Diary of a CEO.” He explained that he had adapted to a certain way of life and had never stopped walking, except during the pandemic, when the mental health challenges became overwhelming.
Henry retired as a player in 2014 and was coaching in Canada when the pandemic hit. Being away from his children and confined to Canada during the worst months of the health crisis took a toll on him, leading to frequent crying spells, he said.
The football legend also discussed how his childhood, marked by constantly seeking approval from his father, had contributed to his mental fragility. He noted that while his father’s presence had helped him as an athlete, it hadn’t done as much for him as a human being.
Henry’s candid admission sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by athletes and serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and support for individuals dealing with similar issues.