Eden Hazard Teases Giroud in Joyful Lille Homecoming

Eden Hazard wasted no time rolling out the red carpet—along with a dash of mischief—for former Chelsea strike partner Olivier Giroud, who has just sealed a one-year deal with Lille after leaving LAFC. In a light-hearted video posted on social media, the Belgian icon greeted the 38-year-old with a booming “Old man!” before breaking into laughter and congratulating him on “finally coming back to France.” The clip quickly went viral, reminding supporters of the close bond the pair forged during their trophy-laden Stamford Bridge days.

Eden Hazard salutes Giroud’s Ligue 1 return

The move ends a 13-year absence from French football for Giroud, who first shot to prominence with Montpellier by winning the 2011-12 Ligue 1 Golden Boot. After spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan, France’s all-time top scorer tested the waters in MLS. However, mutual consent saw him depart LAFC last week, opening the door for Lille’s sporting director Sylvain Armand to pounce. Within hours, Eden Hazard—still adored in northern France for his own Lille heroics—sent his playful message, joking that Giroud is “old enough to babysit the entire squad but still young enough to score 20 goals.”

Why Lille wanted Giroud

Head coach Paulo Fonseca has been craving an experienced focal point to mentor teenage sensation Leny Yoro and support Jonathan David, who may yet attract big offers this summer. Giroud fits that bill perfectly. Despite turning 38 in September, he netted 16 times for Milan last season and remains a master of link-up play—qualities Eden Hazard benefited from countless times at Chelsea. Lille also face a congested calendar with Europa League qualifiers and domestic cup fixtures, making Giroud’s professionalism invaluable.

Contract details and squad implications

Giroud’s deal runs until June 2025 with an option for a further 12 months triggered by appearance-based clauses. His salary, reported at €3 million net, is heavily performance-incentivised. That structure safeguards Lille’s budget while rewarding the forward if he hits double figures in goals or assists. Club sources say number 12 is being reserved for him, echoing his Chelsea shirt. Eden Hazard’s cheeky reference to the “old man” number could become a marketing angle; replica sales spiked within minutes of the signing announcement.

Reuniting memories of Eden Hazard and Giroud at Chelsea

Between 2018 and 2020, the duo shared 82 appearances, combining for 14 goals—including Giroud’s famous scorpion-kick lay-off that allowed Eden Hazard to dribble past three defenders against West Ham. They lifted the 2019 Europa League together, a tournament in which Giroud claimed the Golden Boot while Hazard dazzled in the final versus Arsenal. Fans fondly recall the post-match interview where Eden Hazard declared, “With Oli, football feels like five-a-side in the garden.”

Stat corner: Giroud’s enduring class

• France national team: 57 goals in 131 caps (all-time record)
• Club career: 270 senior goals across seven teams
• Ligue 1 previous spell: 39 goals in 85 outings for Montpellier and Tours
• 2023-24 (Milan): 16 goals, 9 assists in 41 matches

Fan reaction: from Stamford Bridge to Stade Pierre-Mauroy

Chelsea supporters flooded the comments section of Eden Hazard’s post, joking that owner Todd Boehly should have brought both icons back to west London. Lille ultras, meanwhile, choreographed a banner reading “Bienvenue Grand Olivier” even before the official unveiling. French media outlet L’Équipe predicts a 30% rise in average home attendance if Giroud features regularly. Ticket packages branded “From Eden to Oli” sold out within an hour.

The Eden Hazard–Giroud chemistry explained

Football analysts attribute their understanding to complementary skill sets. Eden Hazard excels at ball progression and drawing defenders, whereas Giroud thrives on occupying centre-backs and executing one-touch layoffs. The Belgian’s low centre of gravity and the Frenchman’s aerial dominance created enormous space for late-arriving midfielders like N’Golo Kanté. Lille will hope younger creators—Rémy Cabella, Angel Gomes—can replicate Hazard’s line-breaking runs to maximise Giroud’s strengths.

What this transfer means for Ligue 1

While Paris Saint-Germain dominate the headlines, the return of a World Cup-winning forward adds stardust and narrative depth. Eden Hazard’s endorsement of Giroud further spotlights the league’s talent allure. Broadcasters are already adjusting schedules to feature Lille’s first home fixture against Rennes, where Giroud could make his second Ligue 1 debut. The game will be preceded by a short video montage narrated by—who else—Eden Hazard.

Future outlook for both legends

Though officially retired, Eden Hazard continues to flirt with cameo appearances in charity matches and remains an ambassador for the French league. Sources close to the player say he will attend Lille’s season opener in August. Should Giroud start strongly, whispers of an Eden Hazard playing registration—strictly as a short-term contract—cannot be ruled out. For now, the Belgian insists he is “happily unemployed,” but his infectious grin in the welcome video leaves doors ajar.

Short opinion

Lille’s strategic mix of youth and experience just gained a marquee mentor, and Eden Hazard’s playful blessing only cements the feel-good factor. Age is creeping up, yet Giroud’s class has always transcended time. If the veteran finds his rhythm, don’t be surprised to see the “old man” carrying Les Dogues deep into Europe—egged on, of course, by his forever partner in crime, Eden Hazard.