If you’re following the World Cup Soccer (Football) tournament, you’ll know that forward Olivier Giroud is one of the star players of the French national team. Just last week, he became the highest scoring player in the history of the French team.
What is more remarkable is his openness in sharing about his Christian faith. In 2019, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Jesus magazine, using this platform to share his own testimony, the role that his faith plays in his career, and other stories relating to the dynamic of the Christian faith in the world of football.
Giroud explains that he has a tattoo on his arm with the Latin words of Psalm 23:1: “‘Dominus Regit me et Nihil Mihi Deerit.’ These words on my arm reassure me. I know that if I need anything, any help, I can pray to him – Jesus. And in full confession, there have been times that I pray in the middle of a match. It may only last a few seconds, one word, two words, but it gives me a sense of freedom. And who knows if, during the following play, when I choose to go towards the net, that choice was directly inspired by God Himself? I hope that this magazine will touch hearts as Jesus touches mine every day.”
Giroud recently did an interview in which the reporter commented on him being one of the few “stars” who is open about being “catholic/evangelist”. Giroud gently corrects him, saying “A little nuance…. I’m an evangelical Christian.” He goes on to say that his interior strength and character come from his faith.
May the Lord prosper Olivier Giroud and cause his influence for the Gospel to be far-reaching, within the world of football and beyond.
Listen to his testimony in this 90-second interview (in French).