Thierry Henry divided opinion after asking Lamine Yamal an awkward question during Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. Some fans called it disrespectful, while others defended it as a joke.Thierry Henry embarasses Lamine Yamal at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. (Reuters Photo) Thierry Henry has divided opinion on social media after asking Lamine Yamal whether the Kopa Trophy was the award he really wanted to win at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday.Yamal, 19, collected the award for the best young player for the third consecutive year.

However, the Barcelona forward used his acceptance speech to suggest that team-mate Pau Cubars deserved the honour instead.Henry, who co-hosted the ceremony with broadcaster Kate Scott at the London Palladium, then asked Yamal whether the Kopa Trophy was the prize he had really wanted to win that evening. The question prompted laughter in the auditorium, but it also became a talking point on X.Yamal initially laughed before explaining that he wanted to win every trophy but believed Cubars deserved this particular award.

The defender had impressed for Barcelona, and Yamal made a point of acknowledging his teammate during his speech. The exchange drew criticism from some viewers, who felt Henry had put the teenager in an uncomfortable position in front of a live audience.

Some users described the question as disrespectful and accused the former France striker of embarrassing Yamal. Others argued that Henry was joking and that the interaction was being taken too seriously.The debate extended beyond the exchange with Yamal.

Henry also faced criticism over his correction of Scott's pronunciation of the Socrates Award, with some viewers interpreting his response as unnecessarily sharp. The two moments prompted discussion about the former Arsenal striker's approach as a presenter.HARRY KANE WINS BALLON d’Or The ceremony had plenty of sporting significance beyond the exchanges on stage.

England captain Harry Kane won the men’s Ballon d’Or after a prolific season with Bayern Munich, becoming the first Englishman to receive the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions as the club won the domestic league and cup double.

He finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe, with Yamal third.Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the third time, having helped Barcelona secure a treble before moving to London City Lionesses.Barcelona’s Vicky Lopez retained the women’s Kopa Trophy, while Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was named men’s coach of the year. Barcelona’s Pere Romeu won the women’s coaching award.Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon took the men’s Yashin Trophy, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll won the women’s goalkeeper award.

Paris Saint-Germain were named men’s club of the year, with Barcelona taking the women’s honour.Kane also won the men’s Gerd Mller Trophy for the best striker, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the women’s award. Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka won the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work through his Big Shoe charity.- Ends