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Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Olivier Giroud is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Lille. Born in Chambéry on 30 September 1986, he became France's all-time leading men's international goalscorer with 57 goals before his record was surpassed in 2026. He has won major honours including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Early life and youth career

Giroud was born in Chambéry and developed as a footballer in France before beginning his senior career with Grenoble. He later played for Tours and Montpellier, where he established himself as one of Ligue 1's top scorers.

Club career

Giroud moved to Arsenal in 2012, then to Chelsea in 2018, where he won the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. He joined AC Milan in 2021 and later moved to Lille.

International career

Giroud debuted for France in 2011 and became a regular striker across multiple major tournaments. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finished runner-up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, and retired from international duty in 2024.

Playing style

Giroud is a centre-forward known for his physical presence, aerial ability, hold-up play and finishing. His style has often been associated with team play as well as goal scoring.

Key facts

  • Giroud scored 57 goals in 137 appearances for France, making him the country's all-time leading scorer until 2026.
  • He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and was a runner-up at the 2022 World Cup.
  • He has played for several top clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Lille.
  • He won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea and Serie A with AC Milan.
  • He retired from international football after Euro 2024.
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Canadian context

Giroud is relevant to Canadian readers through international soccer coverage, major global tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, and his appearances in elite European leagues followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Olivier Giroud?
He is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward and has represented clubs in France, England and Italy.
When was Olivier Giroud born?
He was born on 30 September 1986 in Chambéry, France.
How many goals did Giroud score for France?
He scored 57 goals in 137 appearances for France.
What major trophies has Giroud won?
His honours include the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea, and Serie A with AC Milan.
Did Giroud retire from international football?
Yes. He announced in May 2024 that he would retire from international football after Euro 2024.
What position does Giroud play?
He plays as a forward, usually as a centre-forward.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivier_Giroud
    Supports: Birth date and place, France career totals, major international tournaments, retirement announcement, and broad career overview.
  2. MLSsoccer.com — https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/olivier-giroud/
    Supports: Birthplace, height, position, date of birth, and international goal total.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/88965/olivier-giroud
    Supports: Current club listing, position, height, weight, date of birth, and nationality.
  4. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/44346/olivier-giroud/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, date of birth, and club-level career statistics.
  5. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/olivier-giroud/profil/spieler/82442
    Supports: Club history, date of birth, height, position, left-footedness, and transfer timeline.
  6. Soccerbase — https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=55730
    Supports: Current club and player identification details.