Olivier Giroud has had an unbelievable career progression. The Frenchman is 36 years old and yet continues to be ever-present at the elite level in terms of soccer.
The AC Milan forward has scored a lot of goals over the years for decorated European sides like Arsenal and Chelsea.
Olivier Giroud is now France’s top scorer of all time after overtaking Thierry Henry.
✅ Olivier Giroud- 52 goals
✅ Thierry Henry- 51 goals#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/dK224ZuXnb— Sports Brief (@sportsbriefcom) December 4, 2022
During the FIFA World Cup 2022, Giroud surpassed the all-time leading goal-scorer for France, Thierry Henry. He now has 53 goals for his country and has played a phenomenal role in helping his country to a successive FIFA World Cup Final.
Olivier Giroud: “Religion helps me to move forward, to be positive, to know how to forgive too. It soothes me and brings me a lot of serenity. This is why you usually see me with a certain calm.” pic.twitter.com/axtccFUnDw
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 9, 2021
But is Olivier Giroud a man of faith and prayer? Is he a Muslim, or Christian, or does he belong to some other faith? And are his prayers the reason behind his successful soccer career?
Olivier Giroud is a Christian
Olivier Giroud does not follow the Islamic faith.
Rather, he is a Christian. More specifically, he identifies as an Evangelical Protestant.
The 36-year-old is committed to his religion and credits his faith with a lot of his success. He describes himself as a firm believer.
Olivier Giroud: “I prayed a lot in the summer of 2017 over my career decision (when he decided to stay at Arsenal before leaving for Chelsea 6 months later). More generally, I pray regularly and when I have a big decision to make, I leave it in the hands of Christ.” #CFC
— The Blues (@TheBlues___) November 15, 2018
In an interview with Le Figaro, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker had this to say:
“I prayed a lot in the summer of 2017 over my career decision (when he decided to stay at Arsenal before leaving for Chelsea 6 months later). More generally, I pray regularly and when I have a big decision to make, I leave it in the hands of Christ…”
Giroud has credited his mother with raising him to be a church-going man.
Speaking after the FIFA World Cup Final of 2018, he said:
“I’m very religious. I just thanked God. I was very grateful to have the opportunity to live my dream. To live every single day for me is a day blessed.”
French football player Olivier Giroud is a Catholic and has a tattoo on his right arm, saying “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”. pic.twitter.com/qRCXy631I7
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) June 13, 2021
He is an extremely open person when it comes to his faith. So much so, that he has even had the Latin phrase, “Dominus regit me et nihil mihi deerit”, tattooed on his arm. The phrase translates to: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing,”
Didier Deschamps has put his faith in the 36-year-old veteran forward and so far, he seems to be doing a good job of making sure he helps his country to successive FIFA World Cup victories. And you never know, his faith may be the reason why he is still hungry in front of the goal, even at the age of 36.