Thierry Henry street plan in New York prompts Irish-American backlash before 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a plan to temporarily rename New York intersections after football greats, including Thierry Henry, has stirred anger among parts of the city’s Irish community.

Radio Canada reports that council member Virginia Maloney, who represents District 4, proposed a “Thierry Henry” designation in central Manhattan. Henry played for New York Red Bulls from 2010 to 2014.

The reaction is rooted in the 2009 World Cup play-off between France and Ireland, when Henry’s handball in the second leg preceded France progressing. The tie finished 1-0 in the first leg and 1-1 after extra time in the return.

Some Irish-Americans called the idea misguided, with one supporter joking about a “Handball Alley”. David Kilpatrick, a sports management professor at Mercy University, said he viewed the move as a major affront and argued the Irish community underpins New York.

Maloney, who is of Irish heritage and is reported to chair the city’s Irish caucus, said she had learned more about the incident in recent weeks and hoped to restore unity. She stressed the aim is to honour players from different continents and represent everyone, with Pelé also under consideration without sparking similar outrage.

Source: L'Équipe