Olivier Giroud: 5 iconic moments in maverick French striker's career

Olivier Giroud: 5 iconic moments in maverick French striker's career

Eric Munene • 10:29 - 17.05.2024

French legend Olivier Giroud has left Europe to begin a new journey in MLS with LA FC but what are some of his most memorable moments?

In the grand tapestry of football history, certain players leave an indelible mark, their contributions etching unforgettable moments into the collective memory of fans worldwide.

As we reflect on the annals of his career, it becomes apparent that Olivier Giroud's journey is not just a series of matches played, but a symphony of achievements, each note resonating with significance.

From his early days in French football to gracing the pitches of England's Premier League, Giroud's path has been adorned with remarkable milestones.

Here are the top 5 moment of Olivier Giroud’s career.

France men's team top scorer

Despite not playing any youth football at grassroots level, Giroud managed to debut for his national team and holds the record for the most goals for Les Bleus at 57 even better than the great Thierry Henry.

That wondergoal against Palace

Olivier Giroud's goal that won the Puskas.

On New Year’s Day in 2017, Giroud scored a one-footed scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The Goal won the 2017 Puskas Award, given to the player who scores the best goal of each calendar year.

FA Cup semi-final goal against Southampton

Giroud scoring against Southampton in FA semi final.

One of Giroud's most memorable goals for Chelsea was when he managed to dribble past several Southampton players while off balance to score and take Chelsea to the FA final. That was in an FA Cup semi-final against the Saints at Wembley Stadium.

Hollywood appearance

Not only has ‘The phoenix’ featured in European matches across the world, he has also made an appearance as a voice actor in the French version of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018. He voiced the villain Green Goblin. It is fitting that he has signed for LA FC where he can have a chance to do more acting while living in Hollywood.

Goalkeeping duties

Olivier Giroud in goal for AC Milan.

Last October, during a match against Genoa in the Serie A, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off in stoppage time. Giroud mismatched his number 9 shorts with his teammates’ number 16 goalkeeper jersey. He stood in between the sticks for the final minutes and got a clean sheet, even making a save to preserve a 1-0 lead and secure victory.