Fabian Barthez exclusive: Thierry Henry expected to win Olympic gold with France in Paris, says ex-goalkeeper

Fabian Barthez says that Thierry Henry will be "expected" to win gold with France at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.

Les Bleus’ legendary striker will be in the dugout as he takes charge of the Under-23 team on home soil looking to improve on the group stage exit in Tokyo last time out.

In fact, France have only participated in two tournaments since triumphing back in 1984 but speaking to exclusively to Eurosport, Barthez backed former team-mate Henry, who assumed the role in 2023, to lead the team to glory.

“Of course people expect him[Henry] to win gold," Barthez said. "‘Titi’ knows elite football well, so I’m not worried about him. We’re pretty close, and I wish him all the best and hope that he brings back the gold.”

The former international goalkeeper who lifted the World Cup with a young Henry when France hosted that tournament in 1998, also suggested that home advantage could again play a key role.

He added: “It’s the Olympics, so it’s a global event. That’s what the Olympic Games represent. It’s the event, so you can understand why it’s so wonderful and magical to have the Olympics here in France.

“The aim is always to win. As an elite athlete, you gain experience over the years, but you go into these things for one thing only: to win. If not, it’s not worth going.

“We should be wary of everyone, but before we think about anyone else, we should focus on ourselves because we’re our own biggest threat. So, we should focus on our team, on ourselves, and we’ll see about the rest.”

The French Olympic football team won gold 40 years ago after beating Brazil in the final at the Los Angeles Games in a historic year in which the senior men's team also won the European Championship for the first time – coincidentally, another tournament held in France.

With France among the favourites for this year’s Euros in Germany, the prospect of repeating that unique feat is a realistic possibility with Barthez optimistic that they can attack on two fronts.

“Why not?” he said on the possibility of another double. “Of course it’s possible! You have to start off with that mindset and that belief.

“If we could bring back a gold medal and a nice little trophy, that wouldn’t be too bad. Of course it’s possible.”

With regard to the Euros, France will look to continue the recent run that has seen reach finals in three of the last four international tournaments, including two World Cup finals, something Barthez also believes they are capable of this time around.

“These major tournaments come down to such fine margins,” he said. “Especially at the Euros, there are so many big sides, but it’s obviously conceivable.

“France are a great team and have gained a lot of experience. Like every other major tournament, it’s tough, but France have a chance, of course.”

Les Bleus are under the guidance of another of Barthez’ former team-mates in Didier Deschamps whose crowning glory was the World Cup in 2018.

Having taken over in 2012, Deschamps has also led the team to the finals of Euro 2016 and the most recent World Cup in 2022.

Also winning the UEFA Nations League in 2021, Deschamps is France’s most successful manager and has been lauded for the way he manages to keep them competitive.

“How does Deschamps freshen up the team?” pondered Barthez. “Well, I don’t live in his head, but from what I know about these top-level competitions, the number-one priority is the squad. So, Didier Deschamps’s priority is how his squad is doing.

“It’s not about individuals. It’s not about this player or that player; it’s about the squad. So, Didier knows that in order to win, his team needs to be united.”

On whether Deschamps can be considered France’s greatest ever manager, Barthez said: “The stats speak for themselves. He’s been in charge of the national team for over 10 years now.

“For me. I do have a soft spot for Aime Jacquet! But of course, Didier has shown that he’s a great manager and a great national-team head coach.”

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