Olivier Giroud to Leave LAFC, Set to Join Lille in Ligue 1 Return

LAFC and Olivier Giroud have mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced Friday. As reported by ESPN, the 38-year-old striker will play one final match on Sunday against Vancouver Whitecaps before joining Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille.

“Giroud has been a consummate professional throughout his time with LAFC,” said co-president John Thorrington. Signed in 2024 after leaving AC Milan, the Frenchman scored just five goals in 37 appearances across all competitions but netted in both the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup finals, helping the club lift the latter trophy.

“This has been a great experience for me and my family,” Giroud said. “I’m thankful for the fans, teammates and staff who made this stop in my career special.”

His departure opens a Designated Player spot for LAFC ahead of the MLS Secondary Transfer Window opening on July 24. Denis Bouanga remains the club’s main offensive force as they aim to rise in the Western Conference standings following their FIFA Club World Cup run.

Giroud, France’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals in 137 caps, returns to Ligue 1 for the first time since 2012, when his performances at Montpellier earned him a move to Arsenal. He later starred for Chelsea and AC Milan, winning titles across Europe before his final chapter in Los Angeles.