Premier League Launches Hall Of Fame With Shearer & Henry Inductions

The Premier League has launched a Hall of Fame, and has announced record goal scorer Alan Shearer and four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Thierry Henry as its first two inductees.

The Hall of Fame, which was first announced by the league and partner Budweiser in February 2020, will become the highest individual honour the league can award to its players.

A 2021 intake will be confirmed following the announcement of a shortlist of 23 additional nominees who are eligible to join. That announcement will be made in a special TV broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League and the league’s digital channels, presented by Kelly Cates, at 6pm on 26th April. The show will also feature both Henry and Shearer, as well as a number of special guests.

Meanwhile, following the announcement of the shortlist, fans will be invited to cast their vote to ‘help select’ the remaining six inductees to the 2021 Premier League Hall of Fame, with voting taking place in the league’s app until 9th May.

“When you look at some of the unbelievable players to have graced the Premier League – week in, week out, year in, year out – I feel very honoured to join the Hall of Fame,” said Shearer. 

“I have to thank all of my team-mates, as well as the managers and coaches that I’ve worked with.

“All I ever wanted to be was a professional footballer. It was my dream to do that, my dream to win trophies and my dream to score at St James’ Park, to wear the number nine black-and-white shirt and it was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Premier League CEO, Richard Masters, added: “Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry are two world-class players who lit up the Premier League throughout their time in the competition. Both players were capable of scoring every kind of goal, including some of the best we have ever seen. 

“Shearer’s record 260 Premier League goals puts him at the top of a long list of exceptional goal scorers. The fact that record remains unchallenged today, 15 years since his retirement, goes to show what an achievement it was.

“Henry broke individual and team records during eight seasons with Arsenal when he became a footballing icon. He was a talisman in the ‘Invincibles’ team and his four Premier League Golden Boots during a five-year period reflect the impact he had.”