Thierry Henry emotional on CBS Sports Golazo, urges an end to racist violence after Trappes attack

Legendary French striker Thierry Henry became visibly emotional on air after a deadly, racially motivated attack in France that left one man dead and seven others wounded.

Henry spoke about the incident during CBS Sports Golazo's Champions League coverage, addressing what happened in Trappes and La Verrière and sending a direct appeal to the public.

Henry delivered a plain message

He recalled the human cost of the violence and named the victim: 26-year-old Pengo Bosio Wangi was killed, and among the seven injured is a 12-year-old girl. Henry — the former Arsenal and France forward — said the attack had shaken him deeply because it was driven by racism.

On air he declared, "This is monstrous. It's awful. This is a racist act. At some point you have to say enough. A person walks down the street and someone kills him, just like that."

Henry went on to question belonging and identity, stressing that people should not have to repeatedly prove they belong in the country where they were born and live: "Do we always have to prove that we are French? We are French and that will never change, no matter what happens. I am Black. I am French. I am a father." He added, visibly upset, "It could have been my brother. It could have been my daughter. This must stop." He also expressed deep respect and support for the families affected.

Henry's words prompted wide reaction and reopened public debate about racism and violence in French society.

Photo: press material from the event