France’s all-time leading scorer, Olivier Giroud, confirmed his retirement from international football on Monday. The 37-year-old striker, who had hinted at ending his international career following France’s run in the European Championship, made the announcement on his Instagram page.
“The moment I’ve been dreading has arrived. The moment to say goodbye to the French team,” Giroud wrote, reflecting on his illustrious tenure with the national squad. France’s recent semifinal exit in the European Championship, with a 2-1 loss to eventual champion Spain, marked Giroud’s final appearance for Les Bleus, where he came on as a second-half substitute.
Giroud leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having scored 57 goals in 137 matches for France. He was a pivotal member of the squad that lifted the 2018 World Cup. Transitioning to the next chapter of his career, Giroud has signed with Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, departing Europe after 18 years in top professional leagues across France, England, and Italy. He joins LAFC from AC Milan with a contract through 2025, which includes an option for 2026.
Renowned for his six prolific seasons at Arsenal from 2012 to 2018, Giroud also made significant impacts at Chelsea and Milan, playing three years at each club. His club career boasts 285 goals in 716 matches, alongside numerous trophies, including the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea, the French league title with Montpellier in 2012, and the Italian league title with Milan a decade later.
Giroud’s departure from international football marks the end of an era for France, as they bid farewell to one of their most prolific and iconic goal-scorers.
