In a significant development for Major League Soccer, Olivier Giroud’s departure from LAFC was officially announced on June 27, 2025, at approximately 18:28 PT, according to the club’s official press release. The French striker is now poised to join LOSC Lille in Ligue 1, marking his return to French football after 13 years. This unexpected move has sent ripples through the MLS community and raises important questions about both parties’ futures.
Key details
The official announcement came through LAFC’s channels, confirming the mutual termination of Giroud’s contract which was originally set to run through 2025 with an option for 2026. The World Cup winner had signed in May 2024 for a reported salary of $3.675 million per season, making him one of the league’s highest-paid players.
According to multiple sources, Giroud’s next destination will be LOSC Lille in Ligue 1, where he is expected to replace outgoing striker Jonathan David. This move represents a homecoming for the 38-year-old French international, who left his homeland in 2012 to join Arsenal in the Premier League.
Official statements
In the club’s official press release, LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington expressed his appreciation for Giroud’s contribution: “Olivier has been an exemplary professional during his time at LAFC. He brought humility and a winning mentality that helped elevate everyone around him. Olivier has been a tremendous ambassador for the club on and off the field. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him, his wife Jennifer, and his family all the very best in this next chapter.”
Giroud reciprocated the sentiment in his own statement: “I want to thank all of the fans, my teammates, and the staff at LAFC for making this an enjoyable stop in my career. I am happy to have played a part in the success of LAFC. From winning a trophy last season to participating in the Club World Cup, this has been a great experience in L.A. for me and my family.”
Reasons for departure
The primary challenge for Giroud at LAFC appears to have been a tactical mismatch. The Frenchman’s traditional No. 9 style, which thrives on service inside the attacking penalty area, didn’t align with LAFC’s emphasis on fast-breaks and counter-attacking football under coach Steve Cherundolo.
Statistics reveal that Giroud averaged just 6.1 touches per 90 minutes in the attacking penalty area, ranking 32nd among all MLS players. This limited involvement in goal-scoring opportunities highlights the disconnect between his playing style and the team’s tactical approach.
Additionally, personal factors likely played a role, with reports suggesting Giroud desired to return to France after his brief MLS adventure, similar to Kylian Mbappe’s rumoured move back to France. His diminishing playing time, with American Jeremy Ebobisse and El Salvadorian Nathan Ordaz often taking precedence, may have also influenced his decision.
Implications for LAFC
Giroud’s departure opens a valuable Designated Player slot for LAFC, providing significant roster flexibility. The club now has approximately $3.675 million in salary cap space to potentially bring in a replacement more suited to their tactical system.
LAFC might focus on acquiring either a younger, more mobile forward or a dynamic winger to complement Denis Bouanga. The club could also look to the MLS Superdraft to find emerging talent to develop within their system.
Fan and media reaction
The response to Giroud’s departure has been mixed across social media platforms and fan forums. While some supporters expressed disappointment that his tenure didn’t meet expectations, others showed understanding about his desire to return home in the latter stages of his career.
Media analysts have largely focused on the tactical misalignment, with ESPN’s Julien Laurens highlighting Giroud’s desire to return home as a key factor in the mutual termination. Sports Illustrated’s Ben Steiner argued that the tactical setup under Steve Cherundolo simply did not leverage Giroud’s strengths as a target man.
Timeline of events
Giroud’s LAFC journey began in May 2024 when he signed from AC Milan, officially joining the club in July. His tenure included winning the U.S. Open Cup in August 2024, where he scored in the final, establishing himself as part of LAFC history.
The team’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in late 2024 marked another milestone, though the club’s performance fell below expectations. The mutual contract termination was announced on June 27, 2025, with Giroud expected to complete his move to Lille shortly thereafter.
LAFC’s future strategy
Following Giroud’s departure, LAFC is expected to prioritize finding a Designated Player who better aligns with Cherundolo’s tactical preferences. The club will likely focus on speed and counter-attacking prowess, potentially targeting players like Valentín Castellanos or a similar profile.
Strengthening the midfield to create more dynamic attacking opportunities could also be on the agenda, as could pursuing younger talent to develop within the team’s system. This strategic shift will be crucial for LAFC to remain competitive in the Western Conference and build for long-term success.
