Thierry Henry defends Ballon d'Or jokes after criticism

Thierry Henry has defended his hosting of Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony after facing backlash over remarks about Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and co-host Kate Scott, calling the criticism "people getting really excited about nothing." The former Arsenal forward addressed the controversy on Wednesday, clarifying that his comments were jokes. He emphasized his admiration for Yamal, saying he wasn't "checking his ego" and that the young Spaniard is "one of the players I'd pay to watch." Henry also insisted Scott was "on the joke" regarding his correction of her Socrates pronunciation. Henry, who supported fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe for the top prize, called Kane a "worthy winner" and urged critics to "relax." He noted his French nationality as the reason for backing Mbappe, while praising Kane's work ethic as a talent.