A piece of Midtown now carries the name of one of the greatest players to ever wear a Red Bulls shirt. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New York City has temporarily co-named the corner of 50th Street and 6th Avenue “Thierry Henry Way,” honoring the Arsenal and Red Bull New York legend for the duration of the tournament.
Council Member Virginia Maloney unveiled the sign on Wednesday, June 10, at the northwest corner of the intersection — steps from the NYNJ World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center, one of five free official fan sites spread across the city’s five boroughs.
Why Henry, and Why Here
The choice of Henry is an easy one for New York soccer fans. He’s a World Cup winner with France, a Champions League winner with Barcelona, and one of the most decorated players in Premier League history from his years at Arsenal. In 2010, he brought that résumé to Red Bull New York, and his arrival did real work in raising the profile of pro soccer across the metro region during a pivotal stretch for the sport in the United States.
The location ties directly to the tournament. Rockefeller Center sits in Maloney’s district and will host fans from around the world watching matches, taking in cultural programming, and spending money at local businesses through the summer. Putting Henry’s name at the center of that gathering spot connects the fan experience to a player who helped grow the game in this exact region.
Part of a Two-Icon Tribute
The co-naming comes through Intro 0822, legislation Maloney sponsored and the City Council passed. The same bill designates “Pelé Way” at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, linking two World Cup fan destinations to two players who shaped the global game.
Henry called the honor deeply meaningful, saying New York held a special place in his heart during his Red Bulls days and that having his name on the streets of the city is something he’ll carry with him. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who noted he fell for the game watching Henry at Highbury, framed the tribute as fitting for a city about to welcome the world’s game. Maloney, World Cup Czar Maya Handa, Speaker Julie Menin, Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry, and NY/NJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry all added remarks tying Henry’s legacy to the region’s soccer story.
The timing lines up with a massive stretch for the area: New York and New Jersey are set to host eight World Cup matches, including the 2026 final, with millions of visitors expected across the tournament.
