Olivier Giroud is approaching 40 with the calm of a player who has already seen nearly everything the game can offer. Lille’s veteran striker has indicated that the 2026-27 campaign will “most likely” be his final season as a professional footballer.
The former France international, who turns 40 on Wednesday, said he is determined to savour his remaining months on the pitch after returning to French football with Lille in 2025.
Giroud preparing for a likely final season
Giroud said he expects this to be his last year as a player, although he stopped short of making an absolute declaration. “We can do interviews next year with pleasure,” he said, “but as a player, I think this is very probably my final season. That is why I am enjoying every moment.”
The 2018 World Cup winner said he has reached a sense of peace over his career and what he has achieved. He added that he feels more relaxed than ever, with his priority now to keep enjoying the daily work of football.
His decision to come back to France has played a major part in that feeling. After a long spell abroad, Giroud described returning home as one of the best decisions of his career.
A return to Ligue 1 after 13 years away
Giroud started his senior career at Grenoble in Ligue 2 in 2006 before building a route through Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan. His move to Lille in 2025 brought him back to Ligue 1 for the first time since leaving Montpellier 13 years earlier.
He had already retired from international football in June 2024, ending his France career with 137 appearances and 57 goals.
Speaking alongside Robert Pirès, Christophe Jallet and Mathieu Debuchy in a programme scheduled for Canal+ Foot on Wednesday evening, Giroud joked that experienced players still deserve recognition. He explained that this was one reason he had agreed to extend his stay for another year.
“It is probably the last dance,” he said, before adding that nothing should ever be ruled out. Any further decision, he suggested, would also have to be discussed with his family. “I have already negotiated one more year,” he said.
Early contribution for Lille
Giroud has made five Ligue 1 appearances this season, starting three times. He has scored once and supplied two assists for Lille.
Last season, he recorded seven goals and one assist across 44 matches in all competitions. As the finish line comes into view, the striker’s message is clear: the final chapter is not closed yet, but he intends to enjoy every page of it.
