Olivier Giroud says US ‘is not a football country’ after LAFC spell

Giroud says he missed Europe’s football atmosphere at LAFC

Olivier Giroud has explained why his time with Los Angeles FC did not suit him, saying he missed the passion and intensity he associated with football in Europe.

“On the football front, it wasn’t really for me,” Giroud told Ligue 1+. “I missed this passion, this fervour, these boiling stadiums of Europe and the competition. For me, the United States is not a football country.”

The former France striker made his LAFC debut in September 2024 and left in June 2025, less than a year later. He recorded five goals and three assists in 38 appearances in all competitions, won the US Open Cup in 2024 and finished that season as a runner-up in the Leagues Cup.

Giroud has since returned to France to play for Lille. LAFC, meanwhile, have Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga leading their attack, and sit sixth in the Western Conference this season, according to the report.