Henry Praises Son Despite Arsenal-Tottenham Rivalry

Key Points

• Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s iconic former striker, has repeatedly praised Tottenham’s Son Heung-min despite his well-known habit of mocking Tottenham and their players.
• In a recent interview on the YouTube channel Shoot for Love, Henry described Son as a player impossible to criticise, highlighting his exceptional work ethic, playing style, and lovely personality.
• Henry expressed hopes for Son’s success in Major League Soccer (MLS) and with the South Korean national team, acknowledging the importance of international duty to him.
• This is not Henry’s first praise; he has previously called Son “one of the few” players he loves, a rare figure fans worldwide want to succeed, and someone with an inexplicable likability.
• Their bond extends off the pitch: In the documentary Son-sational: The Time That Made Him, footage shows Henry visiting Son during personal training with his father, followed by a shared meal, transcending North London rivalry.
• Arsenal Inside notes Henry rarely praises Tottenham players but makes an exception for Son, whom he genuinely respects.
• Son has been a “nightmare” for Arsenal, particularly in North London Derbies, with strong goal and assist records that haunt Gunners fans.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has once again voiced deep respect for Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min, bridging the fierce North London rivalry with personal admiration. Known for his unapologetic jabs at Spurs, Henry’s consistent praise of the South Korean star underscores a rare cross-rival bond rooted in Son’s character and professionalism. This sentiment, expressed in a fresh interview, revives discussions on their unique relationship amid Son’s career transitions.

As reported by Arsenal Inside on 28 December, Korean time, Henry

“rarely praises Tottenham or players who have played or are currently playing for Tottenham”

and “never misses an opportunity to mock Tottenham,” yet he makes a clear exception for Son. The outlet emphasised that Henry “genuinely respects” the Tottenham forward, highlighting how this stands out against his typical rivalry-fueled banter.

Who is Thierry Henry and Why Does His Praise Matter?

Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer with 228 goals during his 1999-2007 and 2012 stints, embodies the Gunners’ golden era. His post-retirement role as a pundit and coach has kept him vocal about the Premier League, often targeting Tottenham with sharp wit. This history makes his endorsements particularly noteworthy, as they cut through club loyalties.

In the latest instance, Henry appeared on the YouTube channel Shoot for Love. There, he smiled and stated,

“Son Heung-min is one of those players. Even if you don’t like Tottenham or Korea, it would be difficult to say anything bad about Son Heung-min.”

He elaborated,

“His work ethic and playing style are truly remarkable. Above all, he is such a lovely person.”

Henry continued,

“I hope Son Heung-min continues to perform well in the American Major League Soccer and for the national team. I am well aware of how important the national team is to him.”

This interview, covered extensively by Arsenal Inside, aligns with Henry’s long-standing pattern. The French icon has

“repeatedly expressed his special affection for Son Heung-min without hiding it,”

as noted in prior reports aggregated by the outlet.

What Has Henry Said About Son in the Past?

Henry’s admiration is no recent development. He has previously declared,

“I love Son Heung-min. It’s not easy to say he is the one and only, but he is definitely one of the few such players.”

In another instance, he added,

“He is a truly rare figure whom fans from any country in the world want to see do well.”

Henry further remarked,

“Everyone likes Son Heung-min. There’s something about him that’s hard to explain. He is that kind of good person.”

These quotes, drawn from various public appearances and reiterated by Arsenal Inside, paint Son as a universally appealing figure. Henry’s candour—admitting he “struggles to find any criticism” despite his Arsenal roots—elevates Son above typical rivalry critiques.

Arsenal Inside contextualised this by stating,

“Henry rarely praises Tottenham or players who have played or are currently playing for Tottenham. He never misses an opportunity to mock Tottenham and has never hidden his feelings toward his North London rivals.”

Yet,

“there is one Tottenham legend Henry genuinely respects: Son Heung-min.”

How Deep is the Personal Bond Between Henry and Son?

Their connection transcends words, venturing into real-life interactions. The documentary Son-sational: The Time That Made Him, which chronicles Son’s life and football journey, features a poignant scene. While Son conducted personal training with his father, Henry “personally visited the training ground.” Post-session, “they spent time together having a meal,” rendering the North London rivalry irrelevant, as described by Arsenal Inside.

This encounter symbolises mutual respect.

“It was a moment that made the North London rivalry seem irrelevant,”

the outlet reported, underscoring how Henry’s visit highlighted a personal rapport beyond club colours.

Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s record goalscorer with over 160 goals since joining in 2015, has long been idolised for his humility and dedication. Henry’s endorsement aligns with global perceptions, but coming from an Arsenal icon, it carries extra weight.

Why is Son a Nightmare for Arsenal Fans?

Despite the praise, Arsenal Inside reminded readers of Son’s on-pitch dominance. “Whether Henry is a fan of Son Heung-min or not, Son Heung-min has long been a nightmare for Arsenal,” it stated.

“Son Heung-min was particularly strong in the North London Derby, and his goal and assist records remain a painful memory for Arsenal fans.”

Son’s derby record—nine goals and seven assists in 22 appearances against Arsenal—validates this. Matches like his 2020 brace in a 2-1 Spurs win or assists in high-stakes clashes linger in Gunners’ memories.

“The presence Son Heung-min displayed in rival matches during his time at Tottenham remains vivid,”

Arsenal Inside noted.

This duality—feared foe yet respected figure—mirrors Henry’s view: professional rivalry yields to personal esteem.

What is the Context of Henry’s Recent Comments?

The Shoot for Love interview occurred amid Son’s career shift. After 10 prolific years at Tottenham, Son joined MLS side San Jose Earthquakes in 2025, seeking new challenges while committing to South Korea’s national team. Henry’s well-wishes—”I hope Son Heung-min continues to perform well in the American Major League Soccer and for the national team”—reflect awareness of this move.

Henry’s nod to national team duties resonates deeply in South Korea, where Son captains the Taeguk Warriors. “I am well aware of how important the national team is to him,” Henry said, showing insight into Son’s priorities.

Arsenal Inside framed the story as:

“It was respect that transcended the North London divide. The name Son Heung-min once again resonated from the lips of a legend symbolizing Arsenal.”

It added,

“Recalling the relationship between Arsenal and Tottenham, this was by no means a common scene. However, Thierry Henry was the exception.”

How Does This Fit into Broader Rivalry Narratives?

North London Derbies evoke passion, with Henry often fuelling banter. Post-retirement, he has quipped about Spurs’ trophy drought and mocked their ambitions. Yet, Son represents an outlier.

“The figure who was an icon of Arsenal and a rival of Tottenham, praising Tottenham’s living legend, remains an unusual sight,”

Arsenal Inside observed.

This story, originating from Arsenal Inside’s 28 December report, has rippled across football media, emphasising sportsmanship. No other sources contradict or expand beyond this coverage, but the outlet’s detailed aggregation ensures comprehensive attribution.

What Lies Ahead for Son and Henry?

Son’s MLS adventure begins with San Jose, where his experience could elevate the league. Henry’s punditry continues, potentially offering more insights. Their bond, blending rivalry and respect, exemplifies football’s human side.

As Arsenal Inside concluded, Henry’s praise reaffirms Son’s status: a player whose ethic and charm unite even bitter rivals. This episode, while light-hearted, spotlights enduring values in a competitive sport.