Watch: Thierry Henry blocks Shakira's ex-husband's shot in 1v1 game as soccer legends show basketball skills in NBA Abu Dhabi game
The NBA preseason game between the defending champions Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi was star-studded. From movie stars to soccer legends, Etihad Arena hosted big names on Thursday. However, it was the 1v1 pickup game between two soccer legends that attracted a lot of attention.
Even before the crowd watched some of the biggest basketball stars present in the arena, former Barcelona teammates Thierry Henry and Gerard Pique went against each other. In the video, both Henry and Pique wore Celtics jerseys. Henry went first and tried to score with an impressive step-back jumper.
Pique, conversely, tried to score with a layup, but 47-year-old Henry immediately blocked Shakira's ex-husband's shot. In total, Henry took two shots and Pique took one, all of which failed.
The Celtics defeated the Nuggets (107-103) in the first NBA preseason game ahead of the 2024-25 season. Payton Pritchard was the highest scorer in the game with 21 points. Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic scored 14 points in just 17 minutes.
Etihad Arena hosts soccer legends for NBA preseason game between Celtics and Nuggets
On Thursday, the game between the Celtics and Nuggets saw three of the greatest entertainers in sports come together to watch basketball: Ronaldinho, Gerard Pique and Thierry Henry.
In a picture posted by the Celtics on X, all three former soccer stars posed for a picture with Celtics star and reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
Ronaldinho is largely considered one of the greatest players and an absolute entertainer in soccer history. The Brazilian midfielder had a successful career that spanned from 1997-2015.
Henry, along with Zinedine Zidane, is considered the greatest French soccer player of all time. He was also Ronaldinho's teammate when they played for Barcelona. Pique had an illustrious career as a center-back and is also considered one of the most skilled defenders in soccer history.
Soccer players showing up for NBA games is not a rare sight. Previously, other players like Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe have also attended NBA games. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler and Neymar also share a very close relationship.