Henry spoke on Fox Sports after Brazil suffered a dramatic defeat to Norway in their Round of 16 encounter on Sunday.
Brazil’s hopes of progressing in the tournament came to an end despite Neymar converting a late penalty, as a brace from Erling Haaland secured a memorable victory for Norway and booked their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face England.
Although the result marked a disappointing end to Brazil’s World Cup campaign, Henry chose to focus on Neymar’s legacy rather than the circumstances surrounding his international farewell.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward praised Neymar’s influence on football, describing him as one of the most entertaining players of his generation.
“I don’t want to talk about the World Cup or how he finished, I want to talk about what he has given to the game,” Henry said.
The French football legend revealed that Neymar was one of the few players he would gladly pay to watch because of the excitement and joy he brought to the pitch.
“This is a guy I would pay to watch. Simple as that,” he said.
Henry highlighted Neymar’s goals, creativity, technical brilliance and trademark flair, saying the Brazilian inspired countless young footballers around the world.
“He would make anyone love the game with the way he was. His goals, his smile, the way he went about it with the skills. Anyone young wanted to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with how he was playing it.”
According to Henry, Neymar’s impact extends beyond statistics and trophies, as his style of play helped redefine modern attacking football and captivated fans throughout his career.
He concluded his tribute by describing the former Brazil international as an exceptional footballer whose influence on the game will endure for generations.
“Neymar was and always will be an outstanding player. Thank you for what you’ve done. I’ve enjoyed it,” Henry added.
Neymar, who recently announced his retirement from international football, bows out as one of Brazil’s greatest players, having enjoyed a distinguished career marked by success at club level and numerous individual honours.
Despite Brazil’s disappointing exit from the World Cup, Henry’s remarks served as a reminder of Neymar’s lasting legacy, with the French legend celebrating the entertainment, creativity and inspiration the Brazilian brought to football throughout his illustrious career.