Thierry Henry, the iconic former Arsenal and France striker, is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday from 19:00 GMT. Henry, who retired in 2014, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Premier League history, a testament to his remarkable career and impact on the sport.

Expressing his gratitude, the 48-year-old stated, "Football has given me everything and I gave it my all. To be recognised as part of its history with this Lifetime Achievement award and to have made my mark for the fans and my team-mates is something I'll never take for granted." This award acknowledges his immense contributions and enduring legacy in football.

During his two spells with Arsenal, Henry etched his name into the club's history books, scoring an astounding 228 goals in 377 matches. In 2005, he surpassed Ian Wright to become Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer. His time in England was decorated with numerous team accolades, including three FA Cups and two Premier League titles. Notably, he was a pivotal member of Arsenal's legendary 'Invincibles' squad during the 2003-04 season, which completed an entire Premier League campaign unbeaten.

Individually, Henry's achievements were equally impressive. He secured the Premier League Golden Boot a record-equalling four times and was consistently recognized for his excellence, being named in the PFA Team of the Year for six consecutive seasons. Furthermore, he holds the joint-record with Kevin de Bruyne for the most assists, with 20, in a single Premier League season, showcasing his all-around offensive prowess.

The Lifetime Achievement award has previously honored other sporting legends. In 2024, it was presented to British cycling great Sir Mark Cavendish. Other distinguished recipients include Billie Jean King, Pelé, Sir Bobby Charlton, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sir David Beckham, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, and Sir Chris Hoy, placing Henry among an elite group of sports icons.