Thirteen years after debuting for France, Olivier Giroud, now 37, will retire from international football after Euro 2024. This tournament represents his last chance to leave on a high note before joining Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
Giroud’s journey with the French national team has been tumultuous. From the scandal involving Karim Benzema to a goalless yet victorious 2018 World Cup, the French striker has always been a polarizing figure, except for Didier Deschamps, who consistently supported him.
After an exceptional season with AC Milan, his selection was inevitable. As France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals, Giroud is highly motivated for his final international competition.
“It would be nice to finish with a trophy,” he told Téléfoot. “It’s the only one I’m missing. The most important thing is to give it my all; anything can happen in football.
On a personal level, reaching 60 goals would be great. I’m just 3 short, so I believe I can do it.” Despite his impressive form, Giroud is expected to be behind Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram in Deschamps’ pecking order, though Thuram’s recent struggles might give Giroud an opportunity.
