Thierry Henry’s smirk is in EA FC 26 and it behaves like a signature move: it shows up only when the goal was scored by Henry and you trigger a specific input in the short post-goal window. Here’s how it works, what to press, and how to actually get Henry on your team.

Who can trigger Henry’s smirk (and when it appears)

  • Player restriction: The animation is exclusive to Thierry Henry only. It does not trigger for other players.
  • Game context: Trigger it immediately after you score with Henry. The input window is brief — roughly a couple of seconds — before the game defaults to a different celebration.

Availability beyond Henry hasn’t been confirmed. For now, plan on it being Henry-only.

Button inputs for the smirk celebration (PS5/PS4 and Xbox)

Two inputs have been observed in-game. Both require you to act quickly after the ball crosses the line.

Platform Method Input Notes
PlayStation Signature press Press X Triggers Henry’s personal celebration when used right after scoring with him.
Xbox Signature press Press A Triggers Henry’s personal celebration when used right after scoring with him.
PlayStation Finishing combo Hold R1 + L1, flick Right Stick Up, then Down Input quickly within the celebration window.
Xbox Finishing combo Hold RB + LB, flick Right Stick Up, then Down Input quickly within the celebration window.

Tip: If one method doesn’t fire the smirk, try the other on your next goal with Henry. Precise timing matters, and the game will default to a random celebration if you wait too long.

How to add Thierry Henry to your Ultimate Team

Henry is an Icon and won’t be easy to pull. The usual pathways apply:

Route What to expect
Ultimate Team packs Random chance; odds improve only when Henry is part of a featured promo.
Store rotations Occasional Icon-focused packs that may include Henry; check the in-game store during seasonal rotations.
Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) Event or Henry-themed SBCs with significant squad/coin investment when available.

Note: Availability cycles. If he isn’t in packs or SBCs now, keep an eye on seasonal promos and Icon events.

Timing, positioning, and consistency

  • Timing: Input within roughly two seconds of scoring. If you miss it, the game typically rolls a different celebration.
  • Clean inputs: Don’t spam. Hold modifiers firmly and make the right-stick flicks clearly if you’re using the combo method.
  • Positioning: Some players report better consistency for Henry’s signature moves when already facing the camera or pausing movement. If the signature press doesn’t fire, try the combo on your next goal.

Quick reference

  • Who can do it: Thierry Henry only.
  • When to input: Immediately after you score with Henry.
  • PlayStation: Press X (signature) or hold R1 + L1 and flick Right Stick Up then Down.
  • Xbox: Press A (signature) or hold RB + LB and flick Right Stick Up then Down.
  • Unlocking Henry: Packs, rotating store Icon packs, or Henry-themed SBCs when available.

If you’re building around clutch moments — last-minute equalizers, match winners, or momentum-swinging counters — practice the inputs until they’re instinctive. With Henry on the pitch, the smirk is never more than a couple of clean button presses away.