Coming out of an exhausting session last Thursday at the Luchin training ground, which he refused to shorten despite the suggestion from the Dogues’ fitness coach "I said no, no way, I do like the others", Olivier Giroud showed nothing unusual when receiving L’Équipe between noon and two.
From his successful return to Ligue 1 with LOSC to his record goal tally for the French national team (57 goals, four ahead of Kylian Mbappé), the 39-year-old striker spoke about everything with the passion that allows him to resist the wear of time.
Return to Ligue 1 with LOSC...
Do you regret your one-year experience in the United States with Los Angeles FC?
"I wasn’t fully happy on the pitch, we played on the counter and I couldn’t express myself as I wanted. No regrets, because it was an experience I wanted to live. I scored in our finals, won a title with the U.S. Open Cup, played in an unexpected Club World Cup with a reunion against Chelsea (my club from 2018 to 2021)… there were still good moments. It was also great in terms of experience and quality of life, showing the American West, California, to my children and my wife. If I could do it again, I would. But I’m happy to come back home," he told L'Equipe.
Was this return to France planned?
"I’m a guy who likes challenges. I like setting goals, and I didn’t have fifty options anyway. When President Olivier Létang called, the project ticked many boxes, like working with Bruno (Genesio, my coach). A few years ago, if you’d asked me about returning to France, I might not have thought about it. Lille, for someone close to London and wanting to live there after my career (in my Wimbledon residence), was perfect. I spent a year away from family with the time difference, etc. I wanted to come back, see friends, and play in Ligue 1 again. Closing the loop is great."
Did you try to convince Hugo Lloris, your teammate in Los Angeles, when LOSC looked for a replacement for Lucas Chevalier?
"No, because I know his position on that. We talked about it, but when he saw I was returning to Europe with Lille, he said: 'Well done! I couldn’t do what you’re doing.' For him, regarding top-level football, he really said basta."
Why Lille and not another Ligue 1 club?
"My friend Lolo (Koscielny, Lorient sporting director) called before Lille. A few seasons ago, I also had options at Marseille, Lyon. Olivier (Létang) also tried to sign me at Rennes, but when I left Chelsea, AC Milan asked, so returning to France wasn’t an option. I recently saw a photo of myself as a kid, in my room, with a Milan poster. It was obvious! I feel blessed to have played leading roles in clubs I supported as a child, fighting for titles. That’s what I want to do here with Lille. With Paris, winning Ligue 1 is hard, but there are other competitions. I want to win with Lille too."
Saudi Arabia or China had also inquired. Money was never the first priority? Giroud said:
"When I signed my first pro contract at Grenoble (2005), if you told me I would earn as much as I have in my career, I would sign immediately. I feel very lucky. I always told myself: “If I perform on the pitch, everything else will come and I can secure my family.” The more you have, the more you want, and everyone makes their choices. I have always prioritized the sporting project, living emotions. That’s far above the financial aspect, it’s my character. Maybe also my faith and the values my parents gave me. For example, when I was top scorer at Tours in Ligue 2 (2010) and had Ligue 1 clubs interested, Celtic and Middlesbrough offered three or four times more. I hesitated because it would have been a nice bridge to the Premier League. I eventually chose Montpellier. At Grenoble, I earned the charter salary for a first pro contract, around €2,500. When I went to Istres (loaned in National, 2007-2008), I earned €7,000 per month. Then at Tours, €10,000, €12,000, €15,000 over three years."
Is this Ligue 1 return a way to stay in the French public eye?
"My close ones said: 'You’ll tour French stadiums, a last dance, a jubilee.' But I thought: “I went to the U.S., said top-level football was over, and I return to France to challenge myself.” Lolo (Koscielny) said about me: “Olivier is never better than when he’s up against the wall.” Even if sometimes, you wish it went a bit more smoothly! There was risk, but I wanted to relive those emotions, the passion, the supporters, the competition. Europe and the rest of the world are worlds apart. Everyone should experience that to avoid resting on their laurels, to leave their comfort zone."
Giroud, why keep this pressure with nothing left to prove?
"I have a contract with the club, a trust-based contract that says: 'I have to do the job because I’m not here as a tourist.' It’s about respect, for oneself, not ending poorly. I still feel capable of contributing. I have desire and determination. I spoke with Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) at Milan: he said if you lack that, even if your body follows, continuing is useless. I have all that. I also want to give back to football. It’s my role, my duty."
Do you feel a form of revenge being applauded across France after being booed with the national team?
"Not revenge, I dislike that word. After the 2022 World Cup, I felt a high sympathy level in France. After all I’ve experienced with Les Bleus, my goal record, all I’ve won, I had nothing left to prove. I silenced critics. That’s not my motivation, to “shut mouths.” I enjoy meeting the French who supported us for years. That’s when you see you’ve entered their hearts. I am happiest being applauded at Lens in a derby (0-3, September 20). Maybe unprecedented for a Lille player. We’re closer to the end than the start, so pleasure, giving and taking, is essential."
Returning to Ligue 1 after thirteen years, how do you see the championship?
"The return of world champions, Benjamin Pavard (Marseille), Paul Pogba (Monaco), Florian Thauvin (Lens), helps Ligue 1. The league struggles, losing talent each year to richer clubs. We have excellent academies, but we can’t always retain players. Despite this, the level is good. I wouldn’t compare to the Premier League, but I don’t see a huge gap between Ligue 1 and Serie A. Italy may have more prestigious clubs consistently at the top. We recently played Roma. No French club had won there before us (1-0, October 2, Europa League). Honestly, we faced them head-on, they were first in Serie A (tied with Napoli). In Europe, French teams perform well."
On longevity... Your secret to lasting? Bruno Genesio’s role?
"Early season, I felt strong for 90 minutes. Three days after Monaco (1-0, Giroud goal, August 24), I felt slight adductor pain. Even if you feel fine, you have to protect yourself. The coach listens and talks to me. He says: “If needed, we adjust.” I’m not used to that because I always train hard and rarely miss sessions. This competitive mindset pushes me. On the Lyon-Rome-Paris sequence (Sept 28–Oct 5), the coach hesitated to rest me vs Rome, but decided to start me for an hour. Returning to Italy, I wanted it… It’s about trust, communication, respect. With such intensity, I couldn’t play three times 90 minutes."
Giroud, you seem sharper…
"I do prevention and activation. I no longer do upper-body gym, maybe why I look slimmer. Physiologically, I’m lucky. I watch my diet. My wife says: “You won’t always be like this, one day you’ll have a small belly!” I say: “I’m not sure either!” It’s about body culture, respecting your body."
How do you feel 39 years old?
"Recovery is key, I need two days post-match. Soreness, back… Speed drops in-game. At Chelsea, I clocked over 34 km/h. Today, impossible. Jumping is lower, explosiveness reduced. Pushing hard risks injury. Tendons, joints, muscles age. Prevention and supplements help."
Do you focus more on the box to optimize effort?
"The coach wants movement, participation beyond the box. Experience helps avoid unnecessary runs, sweeping the pitch. You manage yourself without overthinking. I run a lot, legs still strong."
Do you attempt acrobatic moves at your age?
"It’s part of me. I love those gestures. I was a fan of Ibra, Jean-Pierre Papin… The perfect ball hasn’t come with LOSC yet. I’ll keep trying, even if my back aches the next day."
Do you consider yourself a showman?
"Not like genius dribblers, like Neymar who excites the crowd. In another way, yes. It’s pleasure. My top goals are decent. Best remains the scorpion goal with Arsenal (vs Crystal Palace, 2017). Humble, it will never be repeated. Everything aligned perfectly. I succeeded 101%. That instinctive move, unexpected, makes the show. Doing something mastered in training brings unique satisfaction. Both types are valid," said Giroud.
With your resumé , how do you stay approachable in a young LOSC locker room?
"I’m normal. No ego. Zlatan is different: teammates had to match his level, make the right pass. I put everyone at ease from the start. I’m proud of this availability and closeness with young players."
You pushed to start strong after preseason…
"Being Olivier Giroud with my past, I had to show I’m competitive despite age. I want to set an example for younger players. I started strong and it worked. My bond with teammates feels long-standing. Even “Benji” André said it. Integration was natural."
You signed one season but turn 40 in September 2026. Targeting that or a year-by-year approach?
"It could be “one plus one,” but realistically one. No regrets. Live fully and be ready to stop anytime. Forty is meaningful. It’s a team decision with my wife and family. If I think I can contribute and the club is satisfied, we’ll discuss with Olivier (Létang)."
On the France national team... Your record of 57 goals for France has lasted almost three years. Did you expect that?
"No, I didn’t. A dig to Marc Libbra who said last year: 'By Christmas, Kylian (Mbappé) will surpass Giroud.' I’m still here, ahead."
Goal to celebrate another Christmas with the crown?
"I’d like that. I’d like him to pass me in the next World Cup."
How high can Mbappé push the record once he surpasses you?
"He turns 27 (Dec 20). Five-six more years, ten-twelve matches per season, maybe close to 100. I hope he overtakes me, but not too soon."
Looking back at your debut for France at over 25 (Nov 2011 vs USA, 1-0), this record seems insane…
"At first selection, yes, unimaginable. That’s why I want my career as an example for young players not breaking in at 17-18. Different paths exist. In my era, several players like 'Valbu' (Mathieu Valbuena), 'Jaja' (Christophe Jallet), Adil (Rami), Franck Ribéry, 'Lolo' (Koscielny) went through lower divisions before reaching top level at 23-25. It’s resilience."
If a major injury crisis happens…
There’s already a huge crisis, I’ve never seen this in France. Coach Deschamps didn’t call me. He knows my stance. Great for Jean-Philippe Mateta to be called, a nice example at 28. If an even bigger crisis occurs, we’ll see.
Open door?
"Honored in March by FFF at Stade de France. I’m not into comebacks. But for France, defending the shirt is a duty. If needed, if competitive and available, I’ll be there. Highly unlikely though. Seriousness matters."
Giroud, thoughts on post-career?
"I’m involved in several things, investments in funds including Blaise (Matuidi), real estate. I want to stay in football, to give back. Maybe some TV as a consultant initially. English channel approached me for 2022 World Cup, I said: 'Wait, I hope to play.' French media approached me for 2026. I don’t want to coach, even youth, because that path leads to pro management. I considered sporting director, but undecided."
