California-based Olivier Giroud joins Lille due to temptation
Here Comes the Sun, Sunbrella... Not So Much
A Farwell to L.A., Hello Lille
Looks like the California sun won't be shining on Olivier Giroud for much longer. A clue close to Lille has spilled the beans that Giroud's deal to rejoin his former club is in the works. And speaking of works, it seems like Giroud will be touching down in France midweek, saying adios to the Golden State.
Lille, who finished 5th in Ligue 1 last season and are prepping for the Europa League, are reportedly in advanced talks with the 38-year-old striker, according to the grapevine. Giroud's current gig with Los Angeles FC announced his departure on Friday. Surprisingly, their contract initially bound him until next winter.
One Last Hurrah in the U.S.
LAFC's Friday communiqué reveals Giroud's swan song with the club will be against Vancouver, set for this weekend. The soon-to-be-former striker expressed gratitude to the fans, teammates, and staff, deeming his US stint an "incredible experience" for him and his family.
With Giroud's departure, Lille might find their missing top scorer, as rumors circulate that Giroud and Lille have been chatting for quite some time. Some media outlets suggest Lille could be looking for a replacement for Jonathan David, who's leaving the club soon. It seems Giroud might just be the second 2018 World Cup champion to join Ligue 1 this summer, after Paul Pogba signed a contract with AS Monaco as per AFP reports.
So long, California! It's been a blast, Giroud! 🚀🌴🏈
Enrichment Data (Incorporated When Relevant):
Giroud's transfer to Lille is currently finalized, with Giroud set to join the French club after terminating his contract with Los Angeles FC (LAFC). The agreement was reached in late June 2025, and Giroud is expected to sign a two-year contract with Lille, running until June 2026 with an option to extend to 2027. He will officially arrive in France next week to complete the formalities and medicals before being unveiled by Lille.
Giroud, 38 (turning 39 in September 2025), struggled to make a significant impact at LAFC during the 2024/25 season, scoring five goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. Despite this, his vast experience and leadership qualities are highly valued by Lille, who finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season and will compete in the Europa League next season. Giroud is viewed as a key veteran presence who will help lead Lille’s relatively young and ambitious squad, replacing Jonathan David, who left the club recently.
His arrival is expected to bolster Lille’s attacking options, providing them with a seasoned striker who brings the pedigree of being France’s all-time leading scorer and a 2018 World Cup winner. Although Giroud’s peak years are behind him, his poise and experience at the highest level—including successful spells at Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan—are anticipated to have a positive influence on Lille’s Europa League campaign and Ligue 1 performance.
Olivier Giroud's transfer to Lille has been finalized, marking the end of his sports career in the United States and a return to European-leagues. With his vast experience and top scorer abilities, Giroud will be joining Lille's squad from Ligue 1, perhaps as a replacement for Jonathan David, to bolster their attacking options.
