New York City has officially co-named a Midtown Manhattan intersection “Thierry Henry Way,” honoring the retired French soccer legend who spent some of his most memorable later career years playing in the city. The temporary renaming, located at West 50th Street and Sixth Avenue near Rockefeller Center, is part of the city’s broader push to build soccer fever ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The co-naming was legislated by Councilmember Virginia Maloney back in April 2026. An unveiling ceremony held on June 10-11 drew fans and city officials to one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors.

Why Thierry Henry, and why now

Henry joined the New York Red Bulls in 2010, bringing a level of star power and technical brilliance that the league had rarely seen. His time in New York elevated the Red Bulls and, by extension, the profile of soccer in the city.

The temporary designation will remain in place until November 2026, conveniently spanning the entire duration of World Cup activity in North America.

Part of a larger soccer tribute campaign

Henry isn’t the only soccer icon getting the street-sign treatment. New York City has also temporarily co-named a different street in honor of Pelé. The dual tributes suggest this isn’t a one-off gesture but a deliberate municipal strategy to position New York as a soccer-friendly destination during the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with New York serving as one of the premier host venues.

The location choice is telling. West 50th and Sixth Avenue sits in the heart of Midtown, steps from Rockefeller Center, where millions of visitors pass through annually.