BREAKING: Olivier Giroud Returns to Europe — Set to Join Lille from LAFC

It’s official: Olivier Giroud is heading back to France. The iconic French striker has agreed to a one-year deal with Lille OSC, marking a dramatic return to European football after his short but impactful stint with LAFC in Major League Soccer.

Fabrizio Romano’s signature “here we go” confirms that Giroud has accepted Lille’s proposal, with all paperwork now prepared and finalized. His medical has been scheduled, and the only thing left is for the 37-year-old to put pen to paper.

The move ends Giroud’s American chapter just months after joining LAFC, where he made an immediate impact both on and off the pitch. Despite his brief stay, his presence in the MLS boosted the league's visibility and added a layer of star power. But the call of home — and perhaps one last dance in Ligue 1 — proved too strong to resist.

Giroud, who last played in Ligue 1 over a decade ago with Montpellier, where he won the French title in 2012, now returns to familiar territory to finish what has been a remarkable European career. From Arsenal to Chelsea, Milan to LAFC — and now back to France — the World Cup winner’s journey comes full circle.

The deal has sent shockwaves through the football world, pushing searches like “Giroud Lille transfer,” “Giroud returns to Ligue 1,” and “Giroud LAFC exit” to the top of Google Trends in Europe and North America.

Lille, who finished strong in Ligue 1 last season and are looking to bolster their attack for the upcoming European competitions, view Giroud’s experience and leadership as a key asset. Fans of Les Dogues can now look forward to seeing one of France’s most decorated strikers back in action on home soil.

With the medical booked and documents set, Olivier Giroud is back — and so is the roar of Ligue 1.