Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading goal scorer, has returned to Ligue 1 by signing a one-year contract with Lille OSC, marking his first appearance in the French top flight since 2012. The 38-year-old striker joins Lille from Los Angeles FC (LAFC), bringing a wealth of experience to the team.
Giroud’s move to Lille follows a brief and challenging stint in Major League Soccer. After joining LAFC in July 2024, he struggled to adapt to the league’s style of play, scoring only five goals in 37 appearances across all competitions. He acknowledged that the MLS style “didn’t necessarily suit” him, expressing a desire to “challenge myself one more time” in France.
During his time in the United States, Giroud did contribute to LAFC’s success, scoring in both the 2024 Leagues Cup and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup finals, helping the team secure the latter title against Sporting Kansas City.
At Lille, Giroud is expected to provide leadership and experience to a young squad. The team finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season and will participate in the Europa League. Giroud expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating, “I’m very happy and excited to be back in France, at home. I’ve always considered Lille a top French club.”
Giroud’s return to Ligue 1 is seen as a significant boost for Lille, offering a seasoned striker to complement their attacking options. His experience in top European leagues, including the Premier League and Serie A, is expected to be invaluable as Lille aims to build on their recent successes and compete in European competitions.
As Giroud embarks on this new chapter with Lille, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will influence the team’s performance in both domestic and European fixtures.
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