On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM, Council Member Virginia Maloney unveiled "Thierry Henry Way" at the northwest corner of 50th Street and 6th Avenue, co-naming the intersection for the duration of the FIFA World Cup and honoring the soccer icon's lasting impact on New York City and the growth of the sport across the region.
The temporary street co-naming, located steps from the NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, recognizes Thierry Henry's extraordinary contributions to the game and celebrates the role New York City will play as a global gathering place throughout the tournament.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Henry won the FIFA World Cup with France, the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, and became one of the most decorated players in Premier League history during his legendary career with Arsenal. In 2010, he brought his talents to New York, joining the Red Bull New York team and helping elevate the profile of professional soccer across the region during a pivotal period for the sport's growth in the United States.
The co-naming is part of Intro 0822, legislation sponsored by Council Member Maloney and passed by the New York City Council. The legislation also designates "Pelé Way" at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Together, the two co-namings connect major World Cup fan destinations to the legacies of players who helped shape the global game and inspire generations of fans.
Located in Council Member Maloney's district, Rockefeller Center will serve as one of five free official fan sites across New York City's five boroughs. Throughout the tournament, fans from around the world will gather there to watch matches, enjoy cultural programming, support local businesses, and celebrate the world's game together in the heart of Manhattan.
“The FIFA World Cup is bringing the world to New York City and creating an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our neighborhoods, support our small businesses, and celebrate the communities that make this city unlike any other,” said Council Member Virginia Maloney. “Rockefeller Center, located in the heart of our district, will serve as one of the premier gathering places for fans throughout the tournament. It is only fitting that one of the world's great soccer icons is honored here. Thierry Henry helped inspire generations of fans around the globe and played a defining role in growing the sport in our region. 'Thierry Henry Way' will stand at the center of this celebration as New Yorkers and visitors from around the world come together to experience the excitement of the World Cup.”
"New York City has always held a special place in my heart. Living here during my time with the Red Bulls reminded me every day why this city is unlike any other in the world.” said Thierry Henry. “I am deeply honored by Council Member Virginia Maloney and the people of New York City for this incredible gesture of naming the corner of 50th and 6th 'Thierry Henry Way' during a historic World Cup. To have my name on the streets of a city I love so deeply is something I will carry with me forever."
"I fell in love with football watching Thierry Henry glide across the pitch at Highbury. With Thierry, the impossible became possible in an instant. The spectacular felt ordinary. Every touch seemed to expand our sense of what the game could be.” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “That spirit is why so many of us fell in love with football, and it's the same spirit that defines New York City. As we prepare to welcome the world's game to the world's city, it's only right that we honor Thierry Henry with a street in the heart of Manhattan -- few people have done more to inspire New Yorkers to embrace the beautiful game."
“As we count down to the FIFA World Cup, New York City is proud to celebrate the people who have helped make soccer the world's game. Thierry Henry inspired fans across continents and, during his time with the New York Red Bulls, became an important part of our region's soccer story, said World Cup Czar Maya Handa. 'Thierry Henry Way' honors that legacy and the power of sport to bring people together. We can't wait to welcome fans from around the world to New York City and showcase the energy, diversity, and passion that make our city the perfect host for the world's game.”
“As we prepare to welcome millions of visitors for the World Cup, there is no better time to honor one of soccer’s most iconic figures,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “Thierry Henry’s impact extends far beyond the field, including here in New York, where he’s inspired fans of all ages. ‘Thierry Henry Way’ will serve as a lasting reminder of soccer’s global reach and New York City’s place at the center of it, and I am grateful to Council Member Virginia Maloney for her leadership in bringing this tribute to life.”
“Pelé and Thierry Henry represent the very best of what soccer can do, bring people together across cultures, languages, and generations.” said Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry. As we prepare to welcome visitors from around the world, this partnership is about celebrating two global icons while encouraging fans to explore every corner of our city, from the iconic landmarks of Manhattan to the diverse neighborhoods and small businesses that make Queens the World's Borough. The World Cup belongs to all New Yorkers, and we are excited to showcase the communities, cultures, and local businesses that make our city extraordinary."
"The New York New Jersey Host Committee is honored to celebrate the renaming of 50th Street and 6th Avenue as 'Thierry Henry Way' as we prepare to welcome the world to our region for the FIFA World Cup 2026," said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. "From helping lead France to World Cup glory in 1998, to his legendary career in the Premier League, to his impact with the New York Red Bulls, Thierry Henry has inspired generations of soccer fans and secured his place as one of the greatest players of his generation. It is especially fitting that we recognize his extraordinary legacy here in New York City, a place that became an important chapter in his remarkable career. I'd like to thank Thierry Henry, Speaker Menin, Council Member Maloney, Council Member Thomas-Henry, the New York Red Bulls, Maya Handa, and all of the community leaders, supporters, and partners whose dedication made this well-deserved honor possible."
Thierry Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. A FIFA World Cup Champion with France, UEFA Champions League winner, and one of the most decorated players in Premier League history, Henry helped redefine the modern game through his success with Arsenal, Barcelona, and the French National Team.
In 2010, Henry joined Red Bull New York, bringing international attention to professional soccer in the New York metropolitan region and helping elevate the sport's profile in advance of a transformative period for the game in the United States.
The unveiling of "Thierry Henry Way" comes as New York and New Jersey prepare to host eight FIFA World Cup matches, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, and welcome millions of visitors from around the globe.
