Thierry Henry and Karen Carney have been honoured with the prestigious Legends of Football Award as the event celebrates its landmark 30th anniversary in aid of music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins.
Held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the anniversary year marks three decades of Legends of Football recognising some of the most influential figures in the game while raising vital funds for Nordoff & Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
Henry and Carney join an illustrious roll call of recipients including Sir Alex Ferguson, Pelé, David Beckham, Arsène Wenger, Emma Hayes, Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, Jill Scott, and Fara Williams.
Attendees at this year’s anniversary celebrations included Jamie Carragher, Michard Richards, Jermaine Defoe, Theo Walcott, Chris Hughton, Roy Hodgson, Ellen White, Sam Allardyce, David Moyes, Chris Robshaw, Rachel Yankey, Shannon Ryan alongside further stars from football, music, entertainment, and sport.
Since its launch in 1996, Legends of Football has raised more than £9 million in support of Nordoff & Robbins and its life-changing music therapy services across the UK.
On accepting the award, Thierry Henry said: “I am incredibly honoured to be receiving the 2026 Legends of Football award. Football has given me so much, and this recognition means a great deal to me. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my teammates, coaches, and my family, who have all played such an important part in my journey. I’m very proud to be part of such a special evening celebrating football and music, all in support of Nordoff and Robbins. Their work is vital in helping children and young people with profound learning difficulties to connect and communicate through music. What they do truly makes a huge difference to individuals, families, and society.”
On the announcement of her award, Karen Carney said: “I’m absolutely honoured to receive this year’s Legends of Football Award. I’m incredibly humbled to be recognised alongside some of the true greats of the women’s game including former Lioness teammates Jill Scott, Ellen White, and Fara Williams. Evenings like this play a huge role in helping Nordoff and Robbins improve people’s lives and I’m really looking forward to celebrating and supporting the wonderful work they do.”
Credit:Legends of Football 2026 | Celebrating 30 years of the event in support of music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins.