Born: 1989 (Lille, France)
Biography:
Amandine Chantal Henry was born on September 28, 1989, in Lille, France. She is a renowned French professional footballer who has made a significant impact on women’s soccer both nationally and internationally. Henry currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Angel City FC in the American National Women’s Soccer League and represents the France national team.
Henry’s passion for soccer emerged early in her life. At the age of 15, she embarked on her football journey, joining Hénin-Beaumont in 2004. After impressing in her debut season, Henry was selected to attend the women’s section of the prestigious Clairefontaine academy, where she honed her skills for two seasons.
In 2007, at the age of 18, Henry’s talent caught the attention of Olympique Lyonnais, the most successful women’s team in France. She embarked on a new chapter in her career, joining Lyon. However, she faced a major setback during her first season when she injured the cartilage in her knee. This injury sidelined her for an extensive period of a year and a half. Despite contemplating giving up football, Henry’s determination and the unwavering support of her family inspired her to persevere, and she ultimately made a triumphant return to Lyon.
With Lyon, Henry became a prominent figure in women’s soccer. She showcased her exceptional skills and leadership qualities, contributing to the team’s success in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Henry featured in the final match of the tournament for three consecutive seasons from 2010 onwards, leaving an indelible mark on the competition.
Her remarkable performances did not go unnoticed on the international stage either. Henry made her senior international debut for France in 2009, marking the beginning of an illustrious international career. In October 2017, she assumed the captaincy of the national team and held this prestigious position until 2020. As the captain, Henry demonstrated her ability to inspire and lead her team to success.
One of the highlights of Henry’s international career came at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She was honored with the Silver Ball Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions as the tournament’s second-best player. In the same year, she was also named among the best players in Europe and became a finalist for the UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe Award, finishing in second place behind Célia Šaši.
In March 2016, Henry embarked on a new chapter in her career by signing with the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She joined the team in June and played a pivotal role in their successful regular season, winning the NWSL championship. Henry’s impact was undeniable, as she featured in eight matches and started in nine, displaying her defensive prowess and strategic acumen.
Following the NWSL season, Henry underwent surgery but made a swift recovery. In January 2017, she joined Paris Saint-Germain where she participated in four Division 1 matches and one Coupe de France Féminine match. Shortly after, she rejoined the Portland Thorns in March.
Henry’s remarkable skills were not limited to her defensive abilities. She showcased her attacking prowess by scoring her first NWSL goal against Boston on May 27, 2017. Her consistent performances led to her inclusion in the NWSL Team of the Month in May, further cementing her status as a valuable player in the league.
On the international stage, Henry continued to excel. She represented France in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, where she started in all four games for her country. France finished the tournament ranked third in the world, demonstrating their prowess. Henry played a crucial role in helping France secure victories and featured prominently in the quarter-final match against England, where she received the player of the match award.
Through her numerous accomplishments and exceptional skills, Amandine Henry has left an indelible mark on women’s soccer. Her dedication, perseverance, and leadership have inspired countless young athletes, and her impact on women’s history in the sport cannot be overstated.
Awards:
– Silver Ball Award at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup
– Finalist for UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe Award in 2015