Olivier Giroud scores 52nd goal to break Henry’s France record
The 36-year-old striker has become France’s all-time top goalscorer, surpassing Thierry Henry, but Kylian Mbappé isn’t far behind.
French striker Olivier Giroud has made his name in the history books after scoring against Poland in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar to become the national team’s all-time top goalscorer with 52 goals.
The 36-year-old received a pass from Kylian Mbappe in the 44th minute in the penalty area on Sunday and sent a low shot with his left foot past Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, his former team-mate at Arsenal, to put Les Bleus ahead. duel at Al Thumama stadium.
AC Milan striker had equaled France’s record 51 goals, Thierry Henry, with a brace in a 4-1 win over Australia in his country’s World Cup opener.
Giroud probably would not have started for Didier Deschamps’ side if Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku had not suffered pre-tournament injuries.
Instead, Giroud and star player Mbappé have been tasked with carrying the offensive burden as France looks to defend its World Cup crown.
France easily defeated Poland 3-1 to reach the last 8 of the tournament, with Mbappé scoring the other two goals for Les Bleus to score 33 international goals, at just 23 years old.
France’s top scorers
- Olivier Giroud: 52
- Thierry Hendrik: 51
- Anthony Griezman: 42
- Michel Platini: 41
- Karim Benzema: 37
- David Trezeguet: 34
- Kylian Mbappe: 33
- Zinedine Zidane: 31
