New York City has temporarily renamed two streets in honour of football legends Thierry Henry and Pelé ahead of the start of the World Cup.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on Thursday, with the final set for next month at the MetLife Stadium—branded as the New York New Jersey Stadium—outside the city.
In downtown Manhattan, officials unveiled “Thierry Henry Way” at the junction of West 50th Street and 6th Avenue, drawing a crowd for the ceremony, according to FOX Sports. Henry, a member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad, joined the event virtually.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward also spent five seasons in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls, further strengthening his ties to the city.
Separately, the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens has been renamed in honour of Brazilian icon Pelé.
The commemorative street names will remain in place until November 1.
