Thierry Henry on career tours, dream destinations and luggage tips

Where have you just come back from?

I went on a short break to Paris to see my parents.

Where in the world have you felt happiest?

I have travelled twice to Rio and that is my favourite place. Unlike big towns, Rio has it all. I like the fact that everyone in Brazil listens to samba, eats the same food and the connection is all the same. Rio is always such an eye-opener to me as there are very few cities that have a sense of community in the way Rio does.

What memories do you have from your childhood holidays?

My childhood travel consisted of visiting friends in my neighbourhood. I couldn’t afford to travel. People think I grew up in Paris, but I didn’t; I grew up in the suburbs of the city in a place called Les Ulis. Occasionally, my mum would take me to Paris, and I thought it was beautiful. I have memories of her going to a bargain clothes shop where she would buy things really cheaply.

Where did you go on your first holiday without your parents?

One of my earliest memories of travelling abroad was playing for the French national team and visiting Faro in Portugal. I must have been around 16 years old at the time, and I remember being really excited to represent my country. My career then took me to Monaco and Italy when I was around 16-17 years old.

Where will you travel to next?

The one country I would love to visit is Australia as I never had a chance to go there during my football career. There was never enough time because of the distance and getting over the jet lag.

Which is your favourite city?

I'm proud of being French but I call myself a Londoner.

Describe your favourite view.

I love the more laid-back vibe of being isolated on an island and just connecting as a family. My kids are so funny, as they think going to the Maldives is “alright”. They think, “Okay, we have seen that before”, but still, I try to ensure they know it is not normal to travel as much as they do. I want them to appreciate everything.

What’s the most important item in your luggage?

My suits and clothes are the most important items in my luggage, and I always want to ensure they arrive perfectly. That’s why I co-designed the Kabuto x Thierry Henry luggage collection with the modern traveller in mind, inspired by my own extensive travel experiences. Our carry-on is the most expandable suitcase in the world. It has a very personal feature – a rotating clip on the side to secure a hanger that doesn’t slide and holds a suit safely – as well as touch-unlock fingerprint technology, silent all-terrain wheels, self-repairing zips and the tallest four-level telescopic handle on the market. And our trunk is extremely light, meaning you can pack more in it. It has nearly 100 litres of storage, before seamlessly transforming into a vertical wardrobe with fold-away shelves making unpacking optional.

Would you rather go sightseeing or lie on a sun lounger?

To explore different cultures and religions is a very meaningful thing.

Dare to expand with the new Kabuto x Thierry Henry luggage collection. Find out more at mykabuto.com/thierryhenry