New York City honored Thierry Henry by renaming a stretch of 50th Street and Sixth Avenue as “Thierry Henry Way” on June 10, just before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. The move follows the city’s tradition of celebrating football legends and places the former Arsenal star beside the iconic Rockefeller Center.

Henry’s MLS tenure with the New York Red Bulls saw him net 52 goals in 135 matches, cementing his legacy in American soccer. During the unveiling, he thanked fans, declaring the honor a “huge tribute” to the sport that shaped his career. The street’s new name will remain until November 2026.

City officials added that other World Cup icons will share the honor: “Pele Way” in Queens and a forthcoming street for Brazilian legend João R. Santos, reflecting New York’s growing football culture. The renaming coincides with the MetLife Stadium hosting eight matches, including the 2026 final, positioning the city as a central hub for the tournament.

By embedding legacy names into Manhattan’s grid, New York signals its commitment to celebrating football heritage while preparing for a global audience. The gesture not only boosts local pride but also reinforces the city’s role as a key venue for the World Cup, ensuring that fans experience history alongside the sport’s biggest stage.