Everything you need to know about France and AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud!
Olivier Giroud is a French professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for AC Milan and the France national team. He was born on September 30, 1986, in Chambéry, France. Giroud began his professional career with Grenoble in 2005 and has since played for several top-tier clubs across Europe.
Giroud's breakthrough came when he signed for Montpellier HSC in 2010. During the 2011-2012 season, he scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 and helped Montpellier win their first-ever league title. His impressive performances earned him a move to Arsenal in 2012.
At Arsenal, Giroud established himself as one of the best target men in the Premier League. He scored 105 goals in 253 appearances for the Gunners, helping them win three FA Cups. Giroud's goalscoring ability and physical presence in the box made him a key player for Arsenal during his time there.
In 2018, Giroud moved to Chelsea, where he was also an important player. He helped the club win the FA Cup in his first season, scoring the opener in their semi-final against Southampton. He has continued to score important goals for Chelsea, including being the top scorer in their Europa League and Champions League successes in 2019 and 2021.
Afterwards, he moved to AC Milan in 2021 and was their top scorer as they finally won the Serie A after 11 long years. He continues to be an important player for them as they look to win their 20th league title.
Giroud has been a regular member of the French national team since 2011. He has scored 53 goals in 122 appearances for , making him the highest scorer in the history of the national team, leapfrogging Thierry Henry. Giroud has been part of several successful French squads, including the team that reached the final of Euro 2016 and the squad that won the 2018 World Cup.
Giroud is a talented and versatile striker who has made a significant impact at several top-tier clubs in Europe. He has also been a key man for France, helping them win the 2018 World Cup. Off the field, Giroud is a respected philanthropist and fashion icon who has made a positive impact both in and out of football
Here are 13 fun facts about Olivier Giroud you need to know…!
GettyA little bit Italian
While Giroud's heart and soul are dedicated to France, he does have a little bit of Italian in him. Both his maternal grandmother and paternal grandmother are of Italian descent. Perhaps playing for AC Milan in Serie A was written in his destiny.
AdvertisementA late start to his professional career
Giroud had a relatively late beginning to his professional football career. He only signed his first professional contract with Grenoble at the age of 21. While he was far from being old, it represents a late start for a footballer.
However, ever since, the World Cup winner hasn't looked back and has proven any naysayers wrong about him and his career.
A God-fearing man
Like many footballers, Giroud is also a deeply religious man.
A god-fearing Catholic, he has tattooed The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” which is a scripture verse from Psalms 23, on his right arm.
One can easily spot it whenever the French target man is in action.
Violent beginnings
It didn't take much time for Giroud to score his first professional goal, a stoppage-time winner against Le Havre for Grenoble immediately after being promoted to their senior team.
However, in his third start of the season, he got his first professional red card in match against Gueugnon on 30 March 2007.