(DDM) — Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has ignited debate across the football world after naming Thierry Henry as one of only two “complete winners” he ever played with, placing the Frenchman alongside Lionel Messi.
Speaking during an interview aired by CBS Sports on December 11, 2025, from the network’s studio in New York, United States, Fàbregas reflected on his long career and the rare mentality he believes separates great players from true winners.
Now the head coach of Italian Serie A side Como, Fàbregas used the interview to revisit his formative years at Arsenal, where he rose from a teenage prodigy to club captain.
He described Thierry Henry as a towering figure in the Arsenal dressing room, admitting that he felt genuine fear and deep respect for the club legend during their time together at Highbury.
According to Fàbregas, Henry’s presence alone demanded excellence, discipline, and seriousness from younger players trying to find their footing in elite football.
The Spaniard explained that Henry was not just a goal scorer or star attraction, but a leader whose obsession with winning shaped the mentality of the entire squad.
Despite his intimidating aura, Fàbregas recalled that Henry also knew how to ease tension, often joking with teammates and creating moments of unity away from matchday pressure.
This balance of authority and approachability, he argued, was what made Henry a rare personality in modern football.
Fàbregas joined Arsenal in 2003 at just 16 years old, entering a dressing room filled with proven internationals and Premier League champions.
Henry, already an Arsenal icon by then, played a crucial role in setting standards during the club’s most competitive era under Arsène Wenger.
The former midfielder featured alongside Henry in over 100 matches, assisting the French striker several times and witnessing first-hand his relentless drive to win.
Fàbregas then drew a striking comparison between Henry and Lionel Messi, whom he later played with at Barcelona following his return to Spain.
He described Messi as the only other player in his career who embodied the same complete winning mentality, both on and off the pitch.
During his time at Barcelona, Fàbregas played more than 120 matches with Messi, contributing goals and assists as the club dominated domestic and European competitions.
He noted that Messi’s consistency, professionalism, and ability to deliver under pressure set an unmatched benchmark for excellence.
Fàbregas emphasized that while many players possess talent, very few combine skill, mentality, leadership, and an unrelenting hunger for victory.
His comments have stirred controversy, particularly among fans of other Arsenal legends who feel equally deserving of such praise.
Nevertheless, the remarks offer rare insight into the standards that defined two of football’s greatest figures.
As Fàbregas continues his managerial journey in Italy, his reflections underline how elite winners influence teammates long after their playing days end.