Olivier Giroud Set to Retire After Lille’s Current Season
Olivier Giroud is preparing for what is likely to be the final season of his playing career, with the Lille striker revealing his intention to retire at the end of the current campaign.
The former France international, who turns 40 on the eve of his announcement, is in the second year of his Lille spell after arriving from Los Angeles FC on a free transfer in 2025. His contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy runs until the end of the season following a 12-month extension.
Giroud said he is approaching each remaining match with the prospect of retirement firmly in mind. “I think this is very likely my last season as a player,” he said. “That is why I am trying to enjoy every moment.”
He also reflected positively on a career that has taken him from a title-winning Montpellier side to major honours in England and Italy. “I am at peace with myself and with everything I have done in my career,” the striker said.
A career spanning Ligue 1, England, Italy and MLS
Giroud won the Ligue 1 title with Montpellier before moving to Arsenal in June 2012 in a £12 million deal. He later joined Chelsea, where he added European silverware, before winning the Scudetto with AC Milan. His move to Los Angeles FC preceded his return to France with Lille.
Across his club career, Giroud has scored 303 goals in 806 professional appearances. For France, he produced 57 goals in 137 caps and at one stage stood as Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer.
The Lille forward has played six times in all competitions this season and scored once. He has also continued to receive warm receptions from supporters around France as he enters the closing chapter of his career.
Lille targets remain in sight
Giroud’s immediate focus is on helping Lille stay among the leading sides in Ligue 1 while contributing to the club’s Champions League campaign. The experienced centre-forward will aim to provide a decisive presence in attack as Les Dogues pursue a strong finish before his expected farewell next summer.
