France's all-time leading goalscorer Olivier Giroud has signed a one-year contract with Ligue 1 club Lille, marking his first return to French football since 2012. The 38-year-old striker concluded his Major League Soccer stint with LAFC last week, ending a 13-year journey across England, Italy, and the United States.
Giroud, who last played in France for Montpellier during their historic 2011-12 Ligue 1 title win, expressed enthusiasm about his homecoming. "I'm very happy and excited to be back in France, home," he said in a statement. "It made perfect sense to return to Ligue 1… I've always considered Lille a top French club."
The World Cup winner brings a decorated career to Lille, including Premier League success with Arsenal and Chelsea, a UEFA Champions League title in 2021, and a Serie A trophy with AC Milan in 2022. Internationally, Giroud retired in 2023 with 57 goals for France, cementing his legacy as a key player in their 2018 World Cup victory.
Lille officials highlighted Giroud's dual role as both a frontline attacker and mentor for their young squad. The move signals Lille's ambition to strengthen their position in Ligue 1 after finishing fifth last season.
