Olivier Giroud said Tuesday that the current season will "very probably" be his last as a professional footballer. The Lille forward, who turns 40 on Wednesday, made the announcement in an interview with L'Équipe newspaper.
"As a player, I think it is very probably my last season. That's why I'm making the most of every moment," Giroud said. He added that he is "at peace" with himself and with what he has accomplished throughout his career.
Giroud joined Lille in the summer of 2025 after spending time with Los Angeles FC. His club career has included stints at Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan, among other teams earlier in his career with Tours, Montpellier, Istres, and Grenoble.
At the international level, Giroud became France's record goalscorer during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a distinction he held until earlier this year when Kylian Mbappe surpassed his tally. He scored 57 goals in 137 appearances for the French national team before retiring from international play in 2024.
Giroud won the World Cup with France in 2018. His trophy cabinet also includes the Champions League, the Europa League, and the UEFA Nations League. He won Ligue 1 titles with his French clubs and Serie A honors during his time in Italy.
The striker said he is savoring each moment on the pitch, knowing this will be his final professional season. He expressed contentment with the decision to return to France after years playing abroad, noting that he continues to enjoy the experience of playing for Lille.