On March 23, 2025, the Stade de France was filled with emotion as Olivier Giroud, the all-time leading scorer of the French national team, was honored before the quarter-final return match against Croatia. This event marked a significant moment following Giroud's retirement from international football after the Euro 2024 tournament, where he left an indelible mark on French football history.
Giroud, who celebrated his achievements in the international arena, was accompanied onto the field by his four children and his wife, Jennifer. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd of 80,000 supporters erupted in applause, eager to showcase their love for the man who netted 57 goals in 137 appearances for the national team.
His number 9 jersey was ceremonially hung from the roof of the Stade de France, side by side with the jerseys of other football legends such as Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, and Hugo Lloris, who also have over 100 selections for France. The tribute was meticulously organized by the French Football Federation (FFF), who arranged a standing ovation, a specially created tifo by the Irrésistibles Français supporters, and an enthralling blue, white, and red fireworks display.
As a heartfelt tribute for his years of service to the team, the stadium radiated with the sounds of Giroud’s theme song, set to the familiar tune of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles, which resonated throughout the grounds. "I feel lucky, honored, touched, and blessed," Giroud expressed to the adoring crowd during the tribute, reflecting on his emotional connection with the supporters who have followed his journey.
The ceremony allowed Giroud to reminisce about his illustrious career while watching a montage of his best moments in the iconic blue jersey displayed on the giant screens of the stadium. ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the French who supported us,’ he added, conveying his gratitude to his fans for their unwavering encouragement over the years.
Having debuted in 2012, Giroud quickly established himself as a crucial player for the national team under manager Laurent Blanc. He contributed to major tournaments, including winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and reaching the finals of the Euro 2016 and the World Cup in 2022. His journey on the international stage was not just about numbers; it was about shared experiences and memories forged with teammates and fans alike.
Despite stepping away from the national team, Giroud remains an active player, currently representing Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. His contribution to French football, however, will always be iconic, marked by his incredible scoring ability and his pivotal role in shaping the current team structure.
As Giroud stood on the pitch, surrounded by his family and the roaring cheers from the crowd, he took a moment to embrace the love from his supporters, which he cherished deeply. ‘It warms the heart; we experienced extraordinary moments. This team is dear to me; I miss it already, but I am proud of what I achieved with it,’ he said, echoing the sentiments of a legendary career that has captivated many.
The connection between Giroud and the fans has been rooted in mutual respect and admiration. The engaging display of affection and recognition served as a testament to his impact, not only in terms of statistics but also as a leader and a motivator within the squad.
The exhilarating atmosphere continued as the match against Croatia was set to begin, with the hopes of the nation riding on the players to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg. Even in this crucial moment, Giroud's legacy loomed large, fueling the flames of passion within the hearts of the fans and supporting the new generation of French players looking to fill his shoes.
In the end, the tribute at Stade de France was not just a send-off; it was an acknowledgment of a storied career and an invitation to look forward to more amazing moments in the future of French football. The evening belonged to Olivier Giroud, a player whose contributions will echo in the annals of football history.
