Lille released a statement on Tuesday confirming that former Los Angeles FC striker Olivier Giroud has joined the club on a free transfer. The two sides signed a one-year contract with an option for a one-year extension.

All signs indicate that Giroud will wear the No. 9 jersey at Lille.

The 38-year-old Giroud has played for Grenoble, Istres, Tours, Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan, and has won 1 Champions League, 1 Europa League, 1 Ligue 1, 1 Serie A, 4 FA Cups and 3 English Super Cups with each team. He has also played 137 games for France, scoring 57 goals and providing 15 assists, and won the World Cup and the UEFA Nations League with the team.

In July 2024, Giroud joined Los Angeles FC as a free agent. To date, he has made 38 appearances for Los Angeles FC, contributing 5 goals and 3 assists, and won 1 US Open Cup with the team.

Lille chairman Olivier Letang explained the move: "We are extremely proud and delighted to welcome Olivier Giroud to Lille. His excellent shooting instinct, rich experience in top competitions, positive attitude and humble character make him an extremely valuable member of our squad."

“Olivier will bring all his strengths to help us prepare for the exciting 2025/2026 season. The return of a world champion and French national team legend not only reflects the attractiveness of Lille, but also the competitiveness of Ligue 1. Welcome home, Olivier!”

Giroud said: "I am extremely excited and happy to return to France and my hometown. When Olivier Letang called me to invite me to accept this challenge, I immediately felt that everything was a natural thing. Returning to the French Ligue 1 after 13 years means a lot to me."

"I have always regarded Lille as a top club in France and I know many former Lille players - Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye, Debuchy, Rio Mavuba, Benjamin Pavard... They all have good memories of the club and highly praise Lille's good values. Moreover, Lille performed well last season and will compete in the Europa League."

"Lille has a young and talented squad and they need experienced players like me. I will continue to contribute to the team in this capacity," Giroud concluded.