Giroud has signalled the 2026/27 campaign will probably be his last. Playing for Lille, he may face his former club Arsenal at the Emirates on 13 October as he closes a 20-plus year career.
Giroud told L'Équipe he thinks 2026/27 is 'very likely' his final season, putting retirement close but not yet official.
Lille travel to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in the Champions League on 13 October — a likely final meeting with his former club.
Across his career Giroud has played more than 900 senior matches, scored over 350 goals, and had notable spells at Arsenal and Chelsea.
# What's happened Olivier Giroud has indicated the 2026/27 season will probably be his last as a professional. In an interview with L'Équipe he said, "I think this is very likely my last season," signalling that retirement is close even if not formally announced.
Giroud now plays for Lille and has been a regular this campaign. He has featured in each of Lille's six matches so far, registering one goal and two assists. Lille are scheduled to play Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League group phase on 13 October, which would be a high-profile final meeting with the north London club that defined a large part of his career.
# Career snapshot Giroud's professional career spans more than 20 years. The available record in this piece lists:
Club highlights available in the coverage:
# Where this leaves the October clash Arsenal is positioned as a likely farewell moment for many observers. Giroud has continued to play this season for Lille and is expected to be involved when his team travels to the Emirates after the international break in October. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the fixture would be a final high-profile reunion with the club where he spent the bulk of a Premier League chapter in his career.
# Arsenal and beyond
A likely retirement after 2026/27 will close a lengthy career with notable goal totals, international honours, and a series of memorable matches against former teams. The Champions League tie on 13 October presents a concrete near-term milestone in that process.
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