A pair of New York City streets may soon be named for a pair of world-renowned soccer players weeks before the FIFA World Cup finals kick off in the tri-state region — but it would only be temporary.
City Councilmember Virginia Maloney introduced legislation Thursday to temporarily co-name an intersection in Midtown “Thierry Henry Way” after the retired French soccer legend who now calls the city home.
The move to rebrand the intersection at West 50th Street and Sixth Avenue would take effect immediately, and, if passed, expire on Nov. 1.
“Thierry Henry Way will be in the district I’m proud to represent running alongside Rockefeller Center, where hundreds of thousands of fans will gather for free viewing parties,” Maloney said.
“It’s fitting that we’re connecting this global moment to our local communities and businesses ensuring that New Yorkers are a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience whether in our stadiums or on our streets,” Maloney added.
Henry played for London’s Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona and also spent five seasons with the New York Red Bulls, beginning in 2010.
Councilmember Shanel Thomas-Henry of Queens also proposed renaming a Queens street “Pelé Way” – after the late Brazilian soccer legend who played three seasons with the New York Cosmos – under the same bill.
The Queens location, positioned at the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road, is steps from Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center — the latter of which is slated to host a massive World Cup fan event from June 17-28.
“Co-naming this street ‘Pelé Way’ is a tribute not just to Pelé’s extraordinary legacy, but to the unifying power of soccer to bring people together across cultures, languages, and generations,” said Thomas-Henry, who represents Corona.
“In a district as diverse and vibrant as ours, this moment reflects who we are and the stories that shape our communities.”
The proposals were referred to the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
This isn’t the first time the city has temporarily honored sports legends.
Last year, during the Knicks’ playoff run, then-Mayor Eric Adams unveiled 15 street signs for the basketball team.
The bill is part of a package introduced Thursday set to generate tourism interest ahead of the World Cup, City Council reps said, including a cultural passport program to “encourage visitation across the city” and a plan to expand public bathroom access, as well as an education program to spread awareness of common tourist scams.
“With the World Cup coming to New York City this summer, we have a unique opportunity to drive economic activity and showcase our city to the world,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said.
“This package ensures that the benefits don’t only stay in a few neighborhoods, but reach small businesses and communities across all five boroughs. By centering equity and accessibility, we can make this a moment that delivers for all New Yorkers.”
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