The 'Hand of Henry' refers to the notorious handball by French striker Thierry Henry during the 2010 FIFA World Cup play-off against Ireland. In the final minutes of extra time, Henry used his hand to control the ball before assisting William Gallas for the winning goal. The incident sparked global outrage, as the referee failed to see the clear infringement, leading to Ireland's elimination. In meme culture, the template is used to represent blatant cheating, unfair advantages, or successfully bypassing rules without getting caught. It resonates deeply with sports fans but has evolved into a general metaphor for any situation where a 'hidden hand' tips the scales in one's favor.