Olivier Giroud, the legendary French striker and all-time top scorer for Les Bleus, embarked on a new chapter of his career in the United States. Despite his stellar reputation, his debut season with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been marked by challenges. However, his teammates insist that his contributions go far beyond the stat sheet.
A New Challenge After a Storied Career
At 38 years old, Olivier Giroud brought an illustrious career to the MLS. The winner of a FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and numerous domestic titles, Giroud joined LAFC in August 2024 with high expectations. He followed the path of football legends such as Lionel Messi and Andrea Pirlo, who also chose the U.S. as the final destination of their playing careers.
However, the transition from Europe to the MLS has been far from seamless. In 14 league appearances, Giroud failed to score a single goal—a surprising statistic for a player of his caliber. Across all competitions, he managed just two goals in 20 games. Despite his struggles, LAFC clinched the U.S. Open Cup, showcasing the team’s overall strength and depth.
“It’s Unfair to Judge Him Only by Goals”
Giroud’s underwhelming numbers have sparked criticism, but his teammates have come to his defense. Maxime Chanot, LAFC’s veteran defender, addressed Giroud’s situation during an interview on RMC’s After Foot. “It’s complicated to judge Olivier’s season because he joined us mid-season, which isn’t easy. He came straight from the Euro 2024 with no time to recover, and the team was already performing well,” explained Chanot.
Chanot highlighted Giroud’s broader impact on the pitch: “He didn’t have a great season statistically because he didn’t score many goals, but he brought so much to the team in terms of gameplay. It would be unfair to summarize his contributions solely by his goal count.”
The French defender also drew comparisons to Giroud’s role in France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad. “France won the World Cup without Olivier scoring a single goal, yet he was essential to the team’s success. It’s the same here—his ability to create space, hold up the ball, and lead tactically has been invaluable,” Chanot added.
Chanot also pointed out the different motivations of players who come to MLS at the twilight of their careers. “Some come to relax, like Andrea Pirlo in New York, but others, like Olivier, come to prove why they had such successful careers in Europe. That’s the case with Giroud—he’s here to compete,” he said.
The Unique Challenges of MLS
For seasoned European stars like Giroud, adapting to MLS can be daunting. The league’s grueling travel schedules, physical intensity, and mid-season transfers often present unique obstacles. Giroud’s arrival in August 2024, with LAFC already in peak form, made it particularly difficult for him to find his rhythm and fully integrate into the team’s established system.
Despite the difficulties, Giroud’s leadership qualities and off-the-ball impact have been praised by teammates and coaches alike. His ability to draw defenders, hold possession, and contribute to LAFC’s tactical setup has been instrumental, even if it hasn’t translated into direct goals.
2025: A Pivotal Year for Giroud
As the MLS season resumes in February 2025, all eyes will be on Olivier Giroud to see if he can turn things around. With a full preseason to rest, recover, and prepare, expectations are high that the Frenchman will rediscover his form and make a greater impact on the pitch.
Giroud’s determination to succeed mirrors the resilience he has shown throughout his career. Whether he finds the back of the net more frequently or continues to influence the game in less visible ways, 2025 could be the year he solidifies his legacy in the MLS. As Chanot aptly put it, “Olivier Giroud is not just a striker; he’s a leader and a game-changer.”
For LAFC fans and football enthusiasts alike, Giroud’s journey in the MLS remains one to watch closely in the coming months. Can the French icon overcome his slow start and leave a lasting mark in Los Angeles? With his unparalleled experience and hunger to prove himself, the stage is set for Giroud to rise once again.
