Olivier Giroud returns to Arsenal with a legacy shaped by redemption and major trophies

Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud returns to the Emirates Stadium with Lille this week, bringing a career defined by criticism, resilience and major honours as he approaches the twilight of his playing days at 40. In a feature published by The Athletic, Arsenal writer Art de Roché examined Giroud’s divisive spell in north London, where he scored 105 goals and helped the Gunners win three FA Cups between 2012 and January 2018.

The Frenchman faced criticism over his finishing, particularly during Arsenal’s disappointing Champions League exit against Monaco in 2015 and their 2015-16 Premier League title challenge. However, his reputation grew after leaving England, as he won the 2018 World Cup with France, the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and Serie A with AC Milan in 2022.

Giroud, France’s second-highest international goalscorer with 57 goals, also became his country’s all-time leading scorer before being surpassed by Kylian Mbappe. Reflecting on his return to France with Lille, Giroud said: “Returning to France after this long career as an expat abroad was important and one of the best choices.” His reunion with Arsenal offers another opportunity to reflect on a career that repeatedly defied expectations.