On the day, Olivier Giroud scored his 52nd international goal and left behind France’s footballing royalty, Thierry Henry, to become Les Bleus’ record male goalscorer, the back-page headlines were pinched by Kylian Mbappé’s on-field frolics against Poland. In a twisted way, it’s perhaps a befitting homage to the 36-year-old’s sumptuous achievement.
A persistent traditional number 9, in an era defined by lavish inside-forwards and silky false nines, for far too long, Giroud was chastised for everything he wasn’t while the abilities and resources that he did bring to the table were devalued.
The Frenchman spent many a year being sandwiched between the superior technical abilities of Karim Benzema, the superstar status of Mbappé, and the finesse of Antoine Griezmann on the international stage.
At the club level as well, especially during his time in England with Arsenal, fans and media alike levied unwarranted slack at him which, ignoring the Gunners’ reality, was primarily borne out of a desperate, nostalgic desire to be and play like the Arsenal of old.
It is only now, in the final quarter of his career (or injury-time, who knows?), after he’s repeatedly proved many of his doubters wrong that he’s being recognised and celebrated for who he is and what he does. “That total of 52 makes me feel great. It has a lot of importance for me,” Giroud said after scoring the landmark goal.
Olivier Giroud, best goalscorer in the history of France with 52 goals. ⭐️🇫🇷 #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/hnbeb5YtiN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2022
France’s manager, Didier Deschamps, also understands Giroud’s predicament. “He has had difficult periods in his career. He has often been criticised but people are now seeing his quality. He stayed strong mentally and has broken a very difficult record held by Henry,” said the 54-year-old.
However, those who play with him and know the inside-outs of France’s set-up have long recognised and respected his worth in the team. “To play at the top level for as long as he has is exceptional – respect… When no one believed in Olivier, he always stood up and proved them wrong. He is selfless and gives so much to the team. I hope he goes on and makes the record his own,” said his teammate Benjamin Pavard before Giroud made the record his.
What is Olivier Giroud’s role in the French team?
Forever pitted against and perceived subordinate to the now-Ballor…
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