France’s Leading Goalscorer Olivier Giroud Ends International Career

Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time leading goalscorer, has announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old striker confirmed the decision on Monday, bringing an end to a remarkable career with Les Bleus, during which he scored 57 goals in 137 appearances.

“The long-dreaded moment has arrived: the moment of saying goodbye to the French national team,” Giroud shared on Instagram. He expressed gratitude to coach Didier Deschamps, stating, “We’ve become an inseparable band of mates under the watchful eye of one man: the coach, Didier Deschamps, whom I thank for his trust. Despite our ups and downs, he has enabled me to become Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer.”

Reflecting on his 13-year tenure with the national team, Giroud added, “The France team I served for 13 years will always be engraved in my heart. It is my greatest pride and my fondest memory.”

Giroud’s international career is decorated with significant achievements. He was a key player in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph and played pivotal roles in their runner-up finishes at both the World Cup and European Championship. He broke Thierry Henry’s record of 51 national goals during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where France narrowly missed out on retaining their title, losing to Argentina in the final on penalties.

Giroud made his debut for the national team in 2011 and scored his first goal in his third cap, opening the scoring in a 2-1 friendly win against Germany. His final goal for France came in March 2024, sealing a narrow victory over Chile.

Initially planning to retire after Euro 2024, Giroud made four appearances off the bench as France reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by eventual winners Spain.

As Giroud transitions from international to club football, he is set to join Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC next season, having previously played for top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan. His departure marks the end of an era for French football, leaving behind a legacy of memorable moments and remarkable achievements.