Olivier Giroud is a French professional footballer who plays as a striker for LOSC Lille. Born on September 30, 1986, he is 40 years old as of October 2026. The former Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan forward is a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and one of France’s most accomplished international players.
Giroud scored 57 goals in 137 appearances for France, holding the national team’s goalscoring record until Kylian Mbappé surpassed him in June 2026. Although he retired from international football in 2024, he remains active at club level, with his Lille contract running through the 2026–27 season.
Quick Bio: Olivier Giroud
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olivier Jonathan Giroud |
| Date of Birth | September 30, 1986 |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Chambéry, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Height | 193 cm (6 ft 4 in) |
| Position | Striker |
| Current Club | LOSC Lille |
| Shirt Number | 9 |
| Former National Team | France |
| International Record | 137 appearances, 57 goals |
| Wife | Jennifer Giroud |
| Children | Four |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
Olivier Giroud’s Current Club and Lille Career
Giroud returned to French football in the summer of 2025 after spending much of his career in England, Italy and the United States. He joined Lille following his time with Los Angeles FC, bringing extensive experience to a team competing domestically and in Europe.
His first season back in Ligue 1 was productive. During the 2025–26 campaign, Giroud made 44 appearances and scored 11 goals in all competitions, including seven in the league and four in the UEFA Europa League.
On June 8, 2026, Lille announced a one-year contract extension, keeping him at the club for the 2026–27 season.
For Giroud, the return meant more than another contract. In interviews with Lille and UEFA, he explained how much he missed European football and valued being closer to his family in France.
Early Life, Childhood and Family Background
Olivier Giroud was born in Chambéry, in southeastern France, and grew up in Froges, a village near Grenoble.
Football became part of his life at an early age. He developed through local football before joining Grenoble’s youth system, where he began working toward a professional career.
His older brother, Romain Giroud, also played football and represented France at under-15 and under-17 levels. However, Olivier eventually established the more prominent professional career.
Unlike several French internationals who became household names as teenagers, Giroud took a gradual route through the country’s lower divisions. Those early experiences helped shape the persistent, physically strong striker who later succeeded in Europe’s major leagues.
Football Career: From Montpellier to European Success
Giroud began his senior career with Grenoble and also spent time on loan at Istres. His subsequent performances for Tours helped establish his reputation as a reliable goalscorer.
His breakthrough arrived at Montpellier. During the 2011–12 season, he scored 21 league goals as the club claimed its first Ligue 1 championship.
That success earned him a move to Arsenal in 2012. Over six seasons in London, Giroud became known for his aerial ability, hold-up play and important goals. He won three FA Cups with Arsenal and received the 2017 FIFA Puskás Award for his remarkable scorpion-kick goal against Crystal Palace.
In January 2018, Giroud joined Chelsea. He added another FA Cup to his collection, won the UEFA Europa League in 2019 and was part of Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League-winning squad.
His next move took him to AC Milan, where he contributed to the club’s 2021–22 Serie A title. He then joined LAFC in 2024 before returning to France with Lille the following year.
Few forwards maintain careers across so many leading European competitions while continuing to contribute into their forties.
France Career and World Cup Achievements
Giroud made his senior France debut against the United States on November 11, 2011, at the age of 25.
He became an important member of the national team under Didier Deschamps, helping France reach the Euro 2016 final before winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
He also represented France in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.
During the 2022 tournament, Giroud overtook Thierry Henry to become France’s leading men’s international goalscorer. He eventually finished with 57 goals from 137 appearances.
That record stood until June 16, 2026, when Kylian Mbappé scored twice against Senegal and moved ahead of him, as FIFA confirmed.
Giroud ended his international career following Euro 2024. His record reflects both longevity and a sustained ability to contribute to one of international football’s strongest teams.
Who Is Olivier Giroud’s Wife?
Olivier Giroud is married to Jennifer Giroud. The couple married in 2011 and have four children.
Jennifer has generally maintained a more private public profile than her husband. Although she has appeared alongside him on some public occasions, the family has not made every aspect of its personal life available to the media.
Giroud’s former club, LAFC, confirms his wife and four children in its official player biography.
Giroud has also discussed the importance of family when explaining his football decisions. His return to France allowed him to be closer to relatives while continuing his professional career.
Olivier Giroud Salary, Contract and Net Worth
Giroud’s contract with Lille extends through the 2026–27 season, following the extension announced in June 2026.
Football salary database Capology estimates his gross fixed salary for the season at approximately €4.55 million annually, equivalent to €87,500 per week before bonuses. These are estimates, not officially disclosed club payment figures.
His earnings throughout his career have included football contracts and commercial activities, but his exact personal wealth has not been publicly confirmed.
Online net-worth estimates vary and should not be treated as verified financial information. Career earnings alone cannot establish someone’s net worth because taxes, spending, investments and liabilities also matter.
Is Olivier Giroud Retiring in 2027?
Giroud has already retired from international football, but he has not yet ended his professional club career.
In September 2026, shortly before his 40th birthday, the Lille striker told L’Équipe that the 2026–27 campaign would very probably be his final season as a professional footballer.
His comments suggest that retirement is approaching, but they should not be interpreted as confirmation that he has already stopped playing.
For now, he remains part of Lille’s squad, continuing a career that has included major trophies in France, England and Italy.
A Remarkable Career Still in Progress
From France’s lower divisions to World Cup glory and Champions League success, Giroud has built a career defined by consistency and adaptability.
At 40, his continued presence at Lille offers another chapter in a football story that began far from the international spotlight. Whatever his eventual retirement date, his achievements have already secured him a significant place in French football history.
FAQs
How old is Olivier Giroud in 2026?
Olivier Giroud is 40 years old. He was born on September 30, 1986, in Chambéry, France.
How tall is Olivier Giroud?
Giroud is listed at 193 cm, approximately 6 feet 4 inches, by Lille and the French Football Federation. UEFA lists him slightly shorter at 192 cm.
How many children does Olivier Giroud have?
Giroud has four children with his wife, Jennifer. The couple generally keeps much of its family life private.
Which football club does Olivier Giroud play for?
He plays for LOSC Lille in France’s Ligue 1. His contract was extended in June 2026 for the 2026–27 season.
How many goals did Olivier Giroud score for France?
Giroud scored 57 goals in 137 international appearances. He held France’s men’s scoring record until Kylian Mbappé overtook him in June 2026.
Has Olivier Giroud won the Champions League?
Yes. Giroud was part of the Chelsea squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2021, although he was an unused substitute in the final against Manchester City.
Has Olivier Giroud retired from football?
He retired from international football in July 2024 but continues to play professionally for Lille. He has indicated that the 2026–27 season will probably be his last.
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