France’s all-time top scorer, Olivier Giroud, quietly ended his international career on Tuesday, making a brief appearance in their 2-1 semifinal defeat to Spain at the Euro 2024 semifinals. The 37-year-old striker played 137 times for Les Bleus, netting a record 57 goals.
Oliver Groud announces retirement after Euro 2024
Giroud had announced his retirement from international football before the tournament, following his move to Los Angeles FC after leaving AC Milan. His hopes for a memorable farewell in Germany were dashed as he spent most of the tournament on the bench, accumulating only 56 minutes of game time in four substitute appearances and making just two attempts on goal.
Giroud’s stellar France career
Giroud’s international journey began in 2011 when he earned his first cap against the United States under coach Laurent Blanc. He was a key part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad and also featured in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, as well as the Euro 2016 final.
Remarkably, during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Giroud played a central role in France’s attack without scoring any goals. However, in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he found the net four times, helping France reach the final, where they ultimately lost to Argentina on penalties.
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