Olivier Giroud Sets Europa League Record as Oldest Playoff Goalscorer
Lille striker Olivier Giroud continues to break records: at 39 years and 149 days, he became the oldest player to score a goal in the UEFA Europa League playoffs. The French forward outpaced many younger players.
Olivier Giroud sets a Europa League record: 39 years and 149 days of greatness
Main Event
Lille striker Olivier Giroud keeps proving that age is just a number. On February 26, 2026, in the second leg of the Europa League knockout round playoffs against Red Star Belgrade, the 39-year-old French forward scored a goal that went down in European competition history.
The match at Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade ended with a 2-0 away win after extra time. Over the two legs, Lille advanced (2-1), and Giroud achieved a unique milestone: at 39 years and 149 days, he became the oldest goalscorer in UEFA Europa League playoff history.
Notably, the Frenchman scored his historic goal with a spectacular bicycle kick as early as the 4th minute, opening the scoring and leveling the tie after a 1-0 loss in the first leg.
Details and Statistics
Record Achievement
Giroud surpassed the previous record held by Edin Džeko. The Bosnian forward scored in the Europa League playoffs at 38 years and 333 days. Thus, the new French record is over 200 days older than the previous one.
Giroud also broke another record — the oldest goalscorer in the competition overall, previously held by legendary Joaquín Sánchez.
300th Career Goal
The goal in Belgrade was not only record-breaking but also personally significant — it was Giroud's 300th goal in his professional club career. In 790 club matches, he reached this impressive milestone, showing remarkable consistency over nearly two decades.
Place in European Competition History
With this goal, Giroud joined an elite list of footballers who have scored more than 10 goals in European competitions after turning 35. He now has 11 such goals — the ninth-best record in history.
Top oldest goalscorers in Europa League playoffs:
- Olivier Giroud — 39 years, 149 days
- Edin Džeko — 38 years, 333 days
- Other contenders are significantly younger
Match Against Red Star Belgrade: How It Happened
The first leg in Lille ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for the French side, so they needed to come from behind in Belgrade. Giroud did it swiftly:
- 4th minute: Benjamin André delivered a cross from the left flank into the box, Giroud won an aerial duel against defender Rodrigão and powered a header into the net — 0-1.
The early goal completely changed the dynamics of the tie. Lille seized the initiative, while Red Star could not find a way through the visitors' defense. Regular time ended 1-0 in favor of Lille, meaning the aggregate score was level, sending the match to extra time.
In the 99th minute, substitute Natan Ngoy sealed the 2-0 win, and Lille advanced to the round of 16.
Context and Significance
"This Could Have Been My Last European Match"
The true emotional depth of this achievement is revealed in Giroud's own words after the match. The forward admitted he realized this season might be his last in European competitions.
"This could have been my last European match," Giroud said, summing up the game. "I'm very happy I managed to score and help the team advance."
The 39-year-old veteran played all 120 minutes, including extra time, and won 15 duels — an impressive figure for a player his age.
Remarkable Career: From MLS to European Records
Notably, Giroud returned to Europe after a stint in the American MLS, where he played for Los Angeles FC. Many expected the French forward to end his career in the US, but he chose otherwise and continued rewriting European football statistics.
Over his career, Olivier Giroud:
- All-time top scorer for the French national team — 57 goals
- 2018 World Cup winner
- 2022 World Cup runner-up
- 2024 European Championship bronze medalist
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
2025/26 Season at Lille
In the current season, the 39-year-old Giroud proves his services are still in demand at the highest level. As of April 2026, he has played 37 matches for Lille, scoring 9 goals and providing one assist. In the Europa League, he has 4 goals in 12 matches.
What's Next / Next Match Preview
After defeating Red Star Belgrade, Lille advanced to the round of 16. The draw for the next stage took place on February 27 in Nyon.
Unfortunately, the French club's journey in the tournament did not end successfully. In the round of 16, Lille faced English side Aston Villa — the eventual Europa League champions. The first leg in France ended 0-0, but in the return leg in Birmingham, Villa proved stronger, winning 2-0, and Lille exited the competition.
Giroud himself, after the defeat to Aston Villa (his favorite team, against whom he has scored 10 career goals), admitted: "We started the game well, but conceded a goal during our best spell. It hurts."
Nevertheless, his record will remain in Europa League history for years to come, and the veteran continues to play for Lille in the French league.
Editorial Prediction
Given Giroud's age, every match could now be his last in European competitions. The record set in Belgrade will likely stand for years, considering modern football's increasing intensity and physical demands. The next contender for the oldest playoff goalscorer could be, for example, Robert Lewandowski (currently 37), but the Pole is still far from the 39.5-year mark.
As for Giroud himself, it is unlikely he will break his own record next season — Lille did not qualify for European competitions in 2026/27. Thus, the Frenchman's achievement has every chance of remaining in Europa League history for decades.
— Editorial Team
