Key Takeaways:
- Olivier Giroud has stated that Lille will be the final club of his remarkable career, following his return to Ligue 1 this summer
- The 39-year-old, France’s all-time top goal scorer, has registered three goals from eight appearances since rejoining French football
- Lille are currently seventh in Ligue 1 after a string of inconsistent results, but Giroud remains focused on making his last season memorable
Giroud Announces Plans to Retire at Lille
Olivier Giroud, a World Cup winner and France’s all-time leading scorer, has formally indicated his intention to conclude his professional playing career at Lille. At 39 years of age, Giroud rejoined Ligue 1 during the summer after his experience in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC. Speaking openly about his future, Giroud described the French club as “most certainly” the final side he will represent in a professional capacity.
🔴 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗘 𝗟𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗔 « 𝗧𝗥𝗘̀𝗦 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 » 𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 ! ❤️🤍
« Je me concentre sur cette année, qu'elle se passe bien, et on fera les comptes à la fin.
Si c'est mon dernier club ? 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗧… pic.twitter.com/FG6QgzIjNn
— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) October 9, 2025
The Final Campaign: Giroud’s Impact at Lille
The former Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan striker has impressed at Lille, finding the net three times across his initial eight matches. Despite Lille’s sporadic run of form in the early stages of the season, Giroud’s experience and goal-scoring ability have made him a key figure within the squad. During an appearance on RMC’s After Foot, he confirmed his intent, stating: “I’m focusing on this year, making sure it goes well and we’ll take stock at the end.” Addressing whether Lille would be his final employer, he replied, “Absolutely,” and added, “Most certainly.”
Career Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Global Honours
Giroud’s rise through the ranks epitomises the archetype of the late-blooming footballer. After spells at Grenoble, Istres, and Tours, his breakthrough came at Montpellier, where he secured the Ligue 1 title and Golden Boot in 2012. His success led to high-profile moves to England and Italy, collecting major trophies with Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan.
His tenure at Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer was less prolific statistically, delivering five goals and three assists in 37 matches, though he played a role in the team’s U.S. Open Cup triumph and participation in the Club World Cup. Upon his return to France, the veteran’s leadership has provided vital support to a reshaped Lille squad following Jonathan David’s departure.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenoble / Istres / Tours | – | – | – |
| Montpellier | 85 | 39 | Ligue 1 (2011-12), Golden Boot |
| Arsenal | 253 | 105 | FA Cup (3 times) |
| Chelsea | 119 | 39 | Europa League, FA Cup |
| AC Milan | 57 | 23 | Serie A |
| Los Angeles FC | 37 | 5 | U.S. Open Cup |
| Lille | 8 | 3 | – |
Lille’s Mixed Fortunes and Giroud’s Final Challenge
Lille have experienced an uneven start to their campaign, sitting seventh in Ligue 1 following a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and consecutive defeats against Lyon and Lens. Nevertheless, their Europa League victory against Roma demonstrated the squad’s latent potential. As the season unfolds, Giroud aims to impart his extensive experience and formidable skill set to a youthful Lille side striving to secure European qualification.
As the French icon targets a fitting conclusion to a decorated career, supporters have the chance to witness Giroud’s final act on home soil, completing a journey from his Montpellier breakthrough, through European triumphs, and now back to France with Lille.
