Ahead of World Cup, New York names streets after Thierry Henry and Pele

New York: New York City has paid tribute to football icons Thierry Henry and Pele by temporarily renaming two streets in their honour ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off this week in the United States.

The move comes as the country prepares to host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with the final scheduled to be played next month at the New York New Jersey Stadium, formerly known as MetLife Stadium.

City officials unveiled "Thierry Henry Way" at the corner of West 50th Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan during a ceremony attended by football fans and local dignitaries. According to reports, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward joined the event via video link.

Henry, 48, remains one of the most recognisable football figures in the United States following his five-year spell with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls, where he played until 2014. The Frenchman also enjoyed international success as part of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad.

In a separate tribute, New York renamed the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens as "Pele Way", honouring the late Brazilian legend widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.

The commemorative street names will remain in place until 1 November, serving as a celebration of the sport's global appeal and the growing excitement surrounding major international football events in North America.

The honours reflect New York's long-standing connection with the sport and its role as one of the key host regions for football's biggest tournaments in the years ahead.

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