Thierry Henry

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Mentioning 'Thierry Henry' and 'World Cup 2010' in the same sentence will forever conjure up images of his cynical handball in Paris that helped France qualify for the finals, but controversy aside, Henry is one of the most outrageously talented players of the past decade. From the callow youth who top-scored during France's triumph at the 1998 World Cup to his country's captain and all-time record goalscorer, surpassing the great Michel Platini, Henry is a French icon and the leading figure in Raymond Domenech's side.
Having emerged from the Monaco youth ranks under the guidance of a certain Arsene Wenger, Henry burst into the international consciousness when scoring three goals during France's triumph on home turf in 1998, even though he failed to feature in the final. An abortive move to Juventus followed, where he was largely used as a winger under Carlo Ancelotti, before Wenger parted with £10.5 million to link up once again with the man he would transform into Europe's most feared forward. At the end of his first season with Arsenal, Henry was again his country's top scorer as they emerged victorious at Euro 2000 and in England, he was rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Alongside Dennis Bergkamp, Henry was converted from a winger to a dazzling striker, winning the Double with Arsenal in 2002, although that season ended in disappointment as Henry was sent off against Uruguay as France surrendered their World Cup crown with a terrible exit at the group stage in Japan and South Korea.

Domestically, Henry marked his dominance over the English game with a season of sustained excellence as the Gunners went the Premier League season unbeaten in 2003-04. His club record tally of 226 goals in 380 games included all manner of spectacular strikes and unforgettable matches, and he signed off in Highbury's final game, typically, with a hat-trick. But a move to Emirates Stadium in 2006 signalled the beginning of the end for Henry. In that summer he lost in both the final of the Champions League and the World Cup, and while he signed a new contract with Arsenal despite strong interest from Barcelona, he suffered from fitness problems and eventually moved to Catalunya in the summer of 2007, bringing to an end a golden period in England during which he won two titles, two FA Cups and five player of the year awards. In Barcelona, Henry would finally capture the Champions League trophy that had eluded him when playing a prominent role in Barca's remarkable Treble-winning campaign on 2008-09.

Strengths: One of the most complete forwards of recent times, Henry boasts electric pace, superb control, intricate technique and unrivalled composure in front of goal. His creative streak is put to good use when unselfishly teeing up team-mates with finesse and he has a strong character and a winner's mentality. Also a threat from set-pieces.

Weaknesses: Finding fault in Henry is a difficult enterprise, but a headed goal is a rarity from the Frenchman and fitness problems have afflicted him somewhat in recent seasons. His suitability for a captaincy role has also been questioned.

Career high: Henry was at his peak when Arsenal went the entire Premier League season unbeaten in 2003-04, scoring a highly impressive 30 goals in 37 league appearances and being named both PFA Players' Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year.

Career low: Becoming a target for venomous criticism and a national hate figure in Ireland when he committed a blatant handball before squaring for William Gallas to score the goal that took France to the World Cup finals.

Style: Flamboyant, prolific, complete, a once-in-a-generation striker.

Quotes: "Football and sport in general is full of heroes who have cheated ten times more than Thierry. Thierry Henry has 12, 14 years of fair behaviour in sport and he is singled out today for me in the wrong way." Arsene Wenger, November 2009.

Trivia: Henry is the only player to have been named England's Footballer of the Year on three separate occasions , although individual accolades on an international level have always eluded him.

Soccernet says: With his character called into question following 'that' handball, Henry will be a wounded animal in South Africa with a real point to prove. In what will be his final World Cup, expect fireworks.