#worldcupwinner

French striker Olivier Giroud has confirmed his switch to Major League Soccer (MLS) after departing AC Milan this summer. The 37-year-old, known for his success with Chelsea and the French national team, will reunite with former teammate Hugo Lloris at Los Angeles FC. Owned by Hollywood star Will Ferrell, LAFC secures Giroud until December 2025 with a reported annual salary of $3.2 million.

Career Highlights

Giroud boasts an illustrious career, clinching titles for club and country:

- World Cup Winner (2018): A pivotal player in France's 2018 victory, starting in the final against Croatia. - Champions League Winner: Secured the Champions League with Chelsea in 2020-21, netting in the semifinal versus Real Madrid. - Europa League Winner: Contributed to Chelsea's 2018-19 Europa League triumph, bagging 11 goals in the competition. - FA Cup Winner (4 times): Lifted the FA Cup four times with Arsenal (2013-14, 2014-15) and Chelsea (2017-18, 2018-19). - Serie A Winner: Helped AC Milan claim Serie A glory in the 2021-22 season, tallying 11 goals in 29 appearances.

MLS Move

Giroud's MLS venture enriches the league's roster of international stars, alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and Zlatan Ibrahimović's stint with LA Galaxy. His seasoned expertise promises to elevate MLS's competitiveness and entertainment value.

What's Next?

As Giroud readies for MLS action, fans anticipate a thrilling season ahead. With LAFC positioned fifth in the MLS Western Conference, his arrival could fortify their pursuit of success. The spotlight shines brightly on Giroud's debut, eagerly awaited by fans eager to witness his adaptation to MLS's unique style of play. LAFC's formidable squad, featuring talents like Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga, coupled with Giroud's inclusion, positions them as formidable contenders for the MLS Cup.

Impact on MLS

Giroud's transition to MLS marks a milestone for the league, amplifying its global allure. His distinguished track record and goal-scoring prowess promise to captivate fans in Los Angeles and beyond, contributing to MLS's sustained growth and popularity worldwide.

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has announced his retirement from international cricket following his omission from this winter’s Ashes squad.

The 36-year-old played 62 Tests, 122 ODIs, and 33 T20s for England. He was part of the team that won the 2019 50-over World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Woakes made his England debut in 2011 in a T20 match and played his first Test in the 2013 Ashes series. He recently played in the 2025 Test series against India, showing remarkable courage by coming out to bat with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

Career Highlights:

Test: 192 wickets (avg. 29.61) & 2,034 runs (avg. 25.11)

ODIs: 173 wickets & 1,524 runs

T20s: 31 wickets & 147 runs

World Cups: 2019 ODI, 2022 T20

Compton-Miller Medal: 2023 Ashes Player of the Series

Woakes reflected:

“Playing for England was something I aspired to do since I was a kid dreaming in the back garden… Lifting two World Cups and being part of some amazing Ashes series is something I never thought was possible.”

Tributes:

Rob Key, MD of England Men’s Cricket: “Chris Woakes is one of the finest people to have played the game… A man who helped every team he played in, even before he walked on to the field.”

ECB Chair Richard Thompson: “We are indebted to have players like Chris represent England and I want to thank him for everything he has done in an England shirt for the past 14 years.”

India coach Gautam Gambhir: “You will be remembered as one of the bravest to ever walk the field Chris.”