The headline is no hyperbole. While the American sports landscape waited with baited breath as Lebron James made "The Decision" to join the Miami Heat, the sporting world at large watched an even bigger sports superstar make a move out of Europe and into Major League Soccer.
Former French international and Barcelona forward Thierry Henry will play for the New York Red Bulls this season, marking the highest profile signing for the MLS since David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
The player most Americans probably know for his handball that kept Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup and let a terrible French side in has more going for him that cheating antics. He won the Golden Boot for most goals scored in the English Premier League four times between 2001-2006 for his London club Arsenal. In 2003, he was named by FIFA World Player of the Year.
Henry is widely regarded as Arsenal's greatest player and possibly the greatest player to ever play in the EPL. That's something few would say about Beckham, the highest profile star yet to join the MLS. The Red Bulls (and the league) hope this signing works a bit differently — less of a side show. Henry himself promises this isn't a farewell tour and that he plans to show the States his skills. That remains to be seen, but it can't be denied he's a big name.
So cheer up, New York. You didn't land the Akron Hammer, but you may have something even more special in Henry.
Sure, it's apples to oranges. At 25, James is in his prime, and arguably the best basketball player in the world. Henry is about to turn 33 and his trademark blazing speed is diminished. Still, Henry, like James, is known for a deep understanding of the game, of the movement of teammates and opponents, and, like James, Henry is as good of a passer as he is a scorer.
Henry is expected to make his debut in a July 22 exhibition against old London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham and Arsenal fans' hatred for one another can be compared to that of Red Sox and Yankees fans.
Here's some video of Henry at his best:
This article appears in Jul 15-21, 2010.