France is heading to another World Cup Semi-final after Olivier Giroud scored the decisive header to knock a formidable English side out in Qatar. Despite Giroud’s best efforts his career has been characterised by a lack of respect and recognition.
Giroud made history in Qatar as he is now the all-time leading scorer for France, sitting on 53 goals, overtaking Arsenal and football legend Thierry Henry.
Giroud started his career in the French second division with Grenoble but made his name at Montpellier, taking them to their first ever Ligue 1 title, finishing as the league’s top scorer.
A move to Arsenal followed where he helped end their nine-year trophy drought, bringing three FA Cups to the Emirates while also picking up FIFA’s Puskas award in 2017.
An 18-million-pound move to London rivals Chelsea was another successful career decision as he contributed once again to a trophy filled era, lifting the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europe League, and another FA Cup.
In 2021 Giroud was deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea and moved to Italy, signing for sleeping giants AC Milan. Once again proving the doubters wrong, Giroud was instrumental in ending their 11-year wait for a Serie A title in Milan.
France’s all-time leading scorer, winner of the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 UEFA Nations League and now into the semi-finals in Qatar, Giroud will go down as one of the all-time greats despite his lack of recognition as he continues to selflessly put the superstars around him ahead of himself.
Olivier Giroud – All 52 goals for France
— ۟ (@BSTComps) December 5, 2022
Definition of a serial winner.
What a career so far & there’s more to come 👀🤩 @_OlivierGiroud_ pic.twitter.com/Tj3tYi9WDU
— Dubois (@CFCDUBois) December 11, 2022
Photo: Twitter/@UsherKomugisha