Thierry (Daniel) Henry

Footballer, born in Les Ulis, Paris, France. A prodigy, he was admitted to France's football academy, Clairefontaine, at the age of 13, and within four years was playing for the French first division side AS Monaco (1994–9). He spent six months with the Italian club Juventus before signing for the English premier division side Arsenal in 1999 for an estimated £10·5 million. A regular in the French national team, he played during their 1998 World Cup win and spearheaded the attack in their triumphant Euro 2000 championship. He was voted Young Footballer of the Year in France in 1996. Further honours include the Professional Football Association Player of the Year (2003, 2004), a record three-times Football Writers' Association Player of the Year (2003, 2004, 2006), and twice runner-up FIFA World Player of the Year (2003, 2004). In October 2005 his 186th goal for Arsenal made him the club's leading goal scorer, breaking the record previously held by Ian Wright. He reached his 200th goal for the club in February 2006. He gained his 85th cap as member of France's 2006 World Cup squad, his team losing the final in a penalty shoot-out with Italy.