Olivier Giroud has indicated that he is likely to retire from professional football at the end of the 2026/27 season, bringing his celebrated playing career closer to its conclusion.
The Lille striker made the revelation in an interview with L’Équipe ahead of his 40th birthday on Wednesday, September 30.
“As a player, I think this is very probably my last season. That’s why I’m trying to enjoy every moment,” Giroud said.
Giroud hints at retirement plans
The Frenchman had already hinted at his plans when he extended his Lille contract for another season in June. At the time, he described the 2026/27 campaign as “very probably” his final season and referred to it as his “last dance.”
Giroud, who returned to Ligue 1 with Lille in 2025 after leaving Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, scored 11 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions during his first season at the club. Seven of those goals came in Ligue 1, while four were scored in the Europa League. His performances convinced Lille to extend his contract for another year, giving him another opportunity to play in the Champions League.
The veteran forward said he is still enjoying football and wants to make the most of his remaining time on the pitch.
“It’s very difficult to choose how to leave. Obviously, we all want to leave with a trophy or a great European adventure,” Giroud said.
His final season could therefore include another Champions League campaign with Lille, with the club entering the competition after finishing third in Ligue 1 last season. Giroud is set to make his 12th Champions League campaign during a European career that has also included spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.
Career highlights and achievements
Giroud has already brought his France career to an end. He made 137 appearances for Les Bleus and scored 57 goals, becoming the national team’s all-time leading scorer before Kylian Mbappé surpassed his record in June 2026.
The striker was part of France’s World Cup-winning team in 2018 and also helped the side reach the final in Qatar in 2022.
At club level, Giroud won the FA Cup three times with Arsenal and once with Chelsea. He also lifted the Europa League and Champions League with Chelsea, before winning Serie A with AC Milan in 2022.
Giroud has now entered what could be the final chapter of a career that has lasted more than two decades, but he is not yet putting a definite end date on it.
Looking ahead to the future
For now, his focus is on Lille and making the most of what he believes could be his final season as a professional footballer.
“I am at peace with myself and with everything I have done in my career,” he said.
