Thierry Henry and Karen Carney to receive 2026 Legends of Football award | OneFootball

Thierry Henry and Karen Carney OBE are both set to receive the 2026 Legend of Football awards.

The two-time Premier League champion and WSL winner will be presented with the awards at the event this autumn, joining previous winners Pele, Arsene Wenger and Gary Lineker.

Former Arsenal striker Henry expressed how honured he is to receive the award in aid of the music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.

“I am incredibly honoured to be receiving the 2026 Legends of Football award,” he said. “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.”

Former Lionesses star Karen Carney emphasised the importance of the award and hailed the previous winners.

“I’m absolutely honoured to receive this year’s Legends of Football Award.” she explained. “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.

Winning the Champions League with Barcelona and two Premier League titles with Arsenal, Henry has become a football icon. Adding to his list of successes in club football, in international football he was also a key player in France’s 1998 World Cup winning campaign. He also won the European Championships in 2000.

Over Carney’s career she earned 144 England caps and is the third most capped player in Lionesses history. At club level she lifted the FA Cup in 2008, and also represented Birmingham City, Chelsea, and Chicago Red Stars.

The star-studded event will take place at the London’s JW Marriot Grosvenor House London on Monday 5th October 2026.