Olivier Giroud Makes Return to France with Lille Move

Veteran striker Olivier Giroud is set to rejoin Ligue 1 after agreeing to a one-year contract with Lille. This ends his stint with LAFC in Major League Soccer. The move marks a homecoming as the French forward starts the next chapter of his career.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Giroud, 38, has accepted Lille’s offer and will fly to France for his medical soon. The French international mutually agreed to part ways with LAFC after just over one season, during which he struggled to settle.

At LAFC, Giroud scored five goals and provided three assists in 37 matches, helping the club lift the U.S. Open Cup during his short stay. But with six months left on his MLS contract, both parties agreed to end the deal early, allowing a move back to Europe.

According to a previous report, Giroud was close to signing with Lille.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Giroud’s signing is a big boost for Lille, who finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season and secured a place in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. The club is ready for the likely exit of top scorer Jonathan David, making Giroud’s arrival key as they seek to remain competitive.

The 2018 World Cup winner returns to a league where he was once top scorer, leading Montpellier to a shock 2012 Ligue 1 title before a successful decade in England and Italy. Giroud is also France’s all-time leading goalscorer, highlighting his legendary status in French football.

A previous report confirmed Giroud as France’s all-time leading goalscorer.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GIRAUD AND LILLE?

Giroud is expected to complete his medical and official signing shortly. Lille’s first match of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season is scheduled for August. They aim for domestic success and a spot in the Champions League group stage.

With Marseille two points ahead and Rennes three points behind them last season, Lille hopes Giroud’s experience and goals can make a difference. Fans will be keen to see if the veteran can recreate his past success and help Lille challenge at the top again.