Giroud Set To Retire At End Of Season

Lille forward Olivier Giroud has revealed that he is “very probably” playing his final season as a professional footballer, with the former France striker set to turn 40 on Wednesday.

Giroud, who returned to France to join Lille, told L’Equipe that he expects to call time on his playing career at the end of the current campaign.

“As a player, I think it is very probably my last season,” Giroud said. “That’s why I’m making the most of every moment.”

The veteran striker enjoyed a distinguished international career with France, scoring 57 goals in 137 appearances.

Giroud became France’s all-time leading goalscorer during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, before Kylian Mbappe surpassed his record earlier this year. Giroud made his final international appearance in 2024.

His greatest achievement with France came in 2018 when he helped Les Bleus win the World Cup in Russia.

At club level, Giroud won league titles in France with Montpellier and in Italy with AC Milan. He also enjoyed a successful spell at Chelsea, helping the London club win the Champions League in 2021.

The striker also won the FA Cup four times, including three during his time at Arsenal.

Giroud began his professional career with Grenoble in the French second division in 2006 before going on to represent Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan and Lille among others.

After two decades at the highest level, the Frenchman is now preparing for what could be his final season in professional football.