Olivier Giroud, 40 years old but still decisive with Lille

Olivier Giroud, 39, has once again made his mark with LOSC. The striker, who will turn 40 on September 30, once again stood out in Lille's 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Ligue 1. Having scored on the opening day against Angers, he provided two assists on Friday, including a golden one for Hakon Haraldsson (21st minute), proving that Lille can still rely on him this season. His experience will be invaluable as the club prepares to face the UEFA Champions League, a competition he won with Chelsea in 2021.

A maestro in Lille’s play

Giroud was at the heart of Lille’s play against PSG, delivering passes with surgical precision. With his back to play and between the Parisian lines, he set up Haraldsson with a disguised pass, allowing the young Icelander to deceive Safonov with a powerful strike. As early as the seventh minute, he could have opened the scoring if the Parisian goalkeeper had not made a superb save following a good cross from Ethan Mbappé. Despite a quieter second half, where Lille mainly worked to preserve their lead before losing it in the dying seconds, Giroud remained on the pitch. In the 84th minute, he made another impact by delivering a one-touch cross to Dilane Bakwa, who then finished into the top right corner, marking a thunderous debut for the young player, who had arrived just two days earlier. Benjamin André also highlighted his importance: "He will be important, as he was last year, because of his experience, his personality, what he brings to the team, and I hope he will have a great season for us, because when he is in good shape, he is a 'top player'."

A captain at heart despite his age

Leader on and off the pitch, Giroud took over the captain’s armband after Benjamin André was substituted at the hour mark. Without even needing to speak, his influence was palpable, as seen when he offered advice to Tiago Santos, whose play on the right flank was too erratic. The Portuguese full-back finally took a chance at the 71st minute, delivering a cross for Giroud, whose header was too high and sailed over Safonov’s bar. But his role extends beyond the sporting realm: he embodies the experience and wisdom for a Lille dressing room still in the making. LOSC extended his contract by a year in June, a winning bet after just two matches. His return to the UEFA Champions League, a competition in which he has featured 64 times, will be a major asset for a club facing a busier schedule. Two decades after his professional debut on March 24, 2006, in Ligue 2 with Grenoble, the 2012 French champion with Montpellier is far from finished writing his story in French football. As Lille gears up to tackle major challenges, including the UEFA Champions League, Giroud’s contribution will be crucial. His experience and leadership, already praised by his teammates, could make the difference in the weeks ahead. One thing is certain: at 40, the veteran is not done yet.