Olivier Giroud says Lille season may be his last

Olivier Giroud has signalled that his playing career is nearing its end, with the Lille striker saying the 2026-27 season will very likely be his last. The announcement comes as he prepares to turn 40 and follows his decision to continue for one more campaign with the Ligue 1 club.

Giroud has made five league appearances this season, starting three matches and recording one goal and two assists. His 2025-26 campaign brought seven goals and one assist in 44 matches across all competitions. He said he is enjoying his football, feels at peace with what he has achieved and wants to make the most of his remaining time on the pitch.

The France international ended his national-team career in June 2024 after winning 137 caps and scoring 57 goals. He began his senior career at Grenoble in Ligue 2 in 2006 before playing for Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan. His move to Lille in 2025 brought him back to Ligue 1, 13 years after leaving Montpellier. Giroud has not completely ruled out continuing beyond next season, but described the coming campaign as his likely final chapter as a player.