Henry and Marquez are two designated players (meaning only a portion of their respective salary counts towards the salary cap) with international fame. Here is a look at their career.
Born in Ulis, a Paris suburb, Henry wore the kit of several modest clubs from the region during his adolescence, yet was already playing for France’s youth selection. He finished his development at Monaco, where he made his professional debut on August 31, 1994, two weeks after celebrating his 17th birthday. In five seasons, he won a French league championship, reached the European Champions’ League semifinal, but most of all, started turning heads alongside another young promising player: David Trezeguet.
Both talents were quickly called up to play for the French national team and were part of the roster that won the World Cup in 1998. Henry played six of sevens games for France, leading his club with three goals. World Champion at only 21 years old, that’s a way to start a career!
His spectacular play earned him a transfer to Juventus in January 1999, but quickly found out Italy was not a good match. The following summer, he joined Arsenal, where manager Arsène Wenger put him back at forward. Now wearing number 14 (which was made legendary by Johan Cruijff), Henry piled up the goals during his seven seasons and a half in North London. An unquestionable starter, he won the Premier League Golden Boot four times. He also collected trophies (two FA Premier League titles and three FA Cups) and individual honours (Premier League Player of the Year, French Player of the Year, etc.)
A prolific scorer, Henry also delivered several decisive passes to his teammates at Arsenal and with the French national team, where he established an important role. He helped France win Euro 2000 (leading the French club in goals through the competition) and the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.
The 2006-2007 season called for some changes. Regularly injured, he scored less than 20 goals in a season for the first time with Arsenal, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, but decided to leave the team. His new destination was just as glamorous: FC Barcelona. Although adapting was difficult (he moved back to the wing), Henry led his team in goal in his first season, but critics still blamed the player and the Catalan team for not winning any competitions, disappointing its demanding supporters in the process.
The arrival of head coach Josep Guardiola radically changed the script. Under his guidance, in 2009, FC Barcelona became the first club in history to win the six major competitions in the same year. Henry played a vital part in the success and added to his achievements the UEFA Champions League championship and the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, he entered the most chaotic months of his career. Henry lost his starting spot with Barcelona and was criticized when he helped France qualify for the 2010 World Cup using his hand twice to control the ball before delivering a cross to William Gallas, who scored the winner. As for the tournament, he sunk along with the team. It was the end of his illustrious international career, after 123 caps and 51 goals, finishing as the all-time leading scorer for the French national team.
Henry decided to start fresh and crossed over the Atlantic to sign with Major League Soccer, donning the New York kit. After a difficult start, his four goals scored in the last month show that he might be back on track.
In a Red Bulls jersey, Henry rejoined one of his former teammates with Barcelona, Rafael Marquez. The Mexican defender also has an interesting path. After beginning his professional career in his native country with Atlas Guadalajara, he joined Monaco in 1999 at the same time Henry departed. Aged 20, he had just won the FIFA Confederations Cup with Mexico.
A French league champion in 2001 and named the Ligue 1 Best Defender in his first season, he stayed four years before heading to FC Barcelona. He started at central back before head coach Frank Rijkaard moved him, following injuries, to midfielder. Alongside Xavi and Deco, Marquez was now part of a dangerous midfield triangle. Winning La Liga championship in 2005, Barcelona and Marquez won it again the following season and added the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal and Thierry Henry.
Marquez – already the team captain for the Mexican national team – became the first Mexican to play for Barcelona and win Europe’s most prestigious cup. During the next seasons, he also piled up trophies, notably in the famous 2009 sextuplet. After the 2010 World Cup, he decided to end his journey in the Catalan capital to join the New York and MLS.
Adding to these two international stars, fans will be able to enjoy on Wednesday two other familiar players in former Toronto FC striker Dwayne De Rosario and Impact great Greg Sutton, who played in Montreal from 2001 to 2006. All the Impact players will need your support to beat this new opponent and earn a first win at Saputo Stadium this season. In fact, tickets are still available for this historic game. Don’t miss the occasion to live MLS action starting now!
Matthias Van Halst, Impact Media
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