OLIVIER GIROUD
When you’ve lived Olivier Giroud’s life, it’s probably natural to think a higher power is guiding you. Shortly before his 22nd birthday, having just spent a year on loan in the third tier, the Chambery native was told that he didn’t have what it takes to play in Ligue 1. Three years later he was a France international; a year after that, a Ligue 1 champion and Golden Boot winner with unfancied Montpellier; and a year after that, a Champions League footballer with Arsenal. In 2018 came the pinnacle: winning the World Cup with Les Bleus, following a domestic season in which he had been forced to move clubs to find regular football.
And that represents Giroud’s career in microcosm. The forward has been worshipped and scorned at club level, revered and jeered for his country, and each time he has responded with goals and a shrug as if asking what more he could do. Only four players in history have won more caps for the French men’s team; only one – Thierry Henry – has scored more goals.
As is clear in his new autobiography, Always Believe, Giroud’s Christian faith has been an ever-present source of strength in a career that has regularly required it. The many trophies he has won would suggest it’s worked for him.
Now at Milan following his summer switch from Chelsea, the 35-year-old is in excellent spirits as he answers FFT readers’ questions about title victories, scorpion kick goals… and, of course, his coveted haircare secrets.
You had to work your way up through the lower leagues in France. Did you always believe, even back then, that you would make it to the top?
I always had a feeling that there was a good star above my head, if I can say something like that. I’m religious, and believe that human beings create their own path and the Lord will set the pace. For me, it was just a different pace to some of the other players, who signed professional contracts at 17 or 18 and then played at the top level straightaway. It was a different path, but it’s now the path of many other players. In my book, I wanted to show the kids that no matter what happens, no matter what people say, it’s always important to overcome them and keep believing in yourself. [: What kind of memories do you have from that time?] Well,] When I turned pro aged 19, I was still going to university. I wanted to stay in touch with people from other backgrounds and was also learning sports sciences – I wanted to maintain that link with my studies. Eventually it just wasn’t possible when I signed on loan with Istres in the third division, so I had to stop. I needed to make the decision to concentrate on my football career.
