Olivier Giroud: France career in numbers

Giroud won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Les Bleus.

One of the most underrated strikers of his generation has been the French forward Olivier Giroud, who ended his international football career following France’s exit from Euro 2024. Les Bleus lost to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals with a 2-1 scoreline at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

After initially taking an early 1-0 lead in the match through forward Randal Kolo Muani, France were left stunned by two quick-fire goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo to complete the 2-1 comeback win for Spain, ending their run at the tournament and Olivier Giroud’s international career.

Giroud was primarily used as a substitute at his last international competition for France, making a total of four appearances off the bench and failing to register a single goal contribution.

Ever since his debut for France in 2011, Olivier Giroud enjoyed an illustrious international career, scoring an incredible 57 goals in 137 caps, making him France’s all-time top scorer in the process. His first international goal came in France’s 2-1 win over Germany in a 2012 friendly match, which was his third game for the national team.

During his international career, Giroud also managed to win multiple international trophies with Les Bleus – 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2021 UEFA Nations League.

Giroud participated at three World Cups throughout his career (2014, 2018 and 2022). He won the coveted title with France in 2018, where they beat Croatia 4-2 in the final.

During the 2022 World Cup, Giroud enjoyed a fruitful campaign, where he scored four goals and guided France all the way to their second successive World Cup final. However, they unfortunately lost the final to Argentina 3-3 (4-2) in a penalty shootout.

The 37-year-old striker also participated at four European Championships throughout his career (2012, 2016, 2021 and 2024), but never managed to win one after coming close at Euro 2016, where France lost 1-0 to Portugal in the final.

Giroud also managed to win the 2021 UEFA Nations League, where France beat Spain 2-1 in the final. In 2022, Giroud surpassed the iconic Thierry Henry to become France’s leading scorer, further solidifying his status as a legend of the sport.

Olivier Giroud possessed a unique skill-set of incredible aerial threat, lethal finishing and strong hold-up play that made him a valuable asset for his country. With his retirement from international football, France will have big boots to fill heading into future tournaments.

Olivier Giroud: France career in numbers

Total Games: 137

Goals: 57

Assists: 15

FIFA World Cup Title: 1 (2018)

UEFA Nations League Title: 1 (2021)

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