Olivier Giroud, France’s highest-ever goal scorer, announced the conclusion of his international career on Monday. He had previously indicated he would retire based on France’s performance in the European Championship.
“The moment I’ve been fearing has come. The moment to bid farewell to the French team,” the 37-year-old Giroud wrote on his Instagram page.
France exited last week in the semifinals, losing 2-1 to eventual champions Spain, with Giroud coming on as a substitute in the second half. Giroud scored 57 goals in 137 matches for France and was part of the team that won the 2018 World Cup.
He will now focus on his club career in Major League Soccer after signing with Los Angeles FC. This move marks his departure from Europe after 18 years in top professional leagues in France, England, and Italy. Giroud joined LAFC from AC Milan, signing a contract through 2025 with an option for 2026.
Giroud is best remembered for six successful seasons at Arsenal from 2012 to 2018, followed by three years each at Chelsea and Milan.
Across his career, he has scored 285 goals in 716 club matches and has won numerous trophies, including the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea, the French league with Montpellier in 2012, and the Italian league with Milan a decade later.
