France hails King Henry IV

Tuesday 27 December, 2005

France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has become the first man to win the French Player of the Year award four times.

After scooping the prize in 2000, 2003 and 2004, the 28-year-old was crowned once again in 2005 by France Football Magazine.

Henry fought off competition from Lyon goalkeeper Grégory Coupet, who finished second, despite Arsenal’s disappointing form in the Premiership and in the Champions’ League over the last 12 months.

It was a close-run contest, with Henry finishing just 21 points clear of the France custodian.

The award is voted for by professional players and former winners. Henry has now overtaken Alain Giresse who was three-times French Player of the Year (1982, 1986 and 1987).

Results of 2005 voting:
1. Henry
2. Coupet
3. Makelele
4. Zidane
5. Sagnol
6. Trezeguet
7. Thuram
8. Wiltord
9. Gallas
10. Giuly