I’ve done 20 hours of flights in a month’: Olivier Giroud on adapting to life in MLS

France’s all-time leading scorer joined LAFC during the midseason break. As he learns the demands of the league, his teammates are trying to adjust to his style

FAMILY AFFAIR: Oliver Giroud of Los Angeles FC hoisting the trophy with daughter Jade after the win over Sporting Kansas City in the finals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U. S. Open Cup at BMO Stadium on September 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

It took all of three league games with his new club for Olivier Giroud to show that his influence extends beyond his attacking output.

While celebrating LAFC’s opening goal in a derby against LA Galaxy, Giroud briefly broke away from the festivities and made a beeline for the young midfielder who had played a role in the buildup. As his teammates tell it, that leadership is already the norm for a player who officially swapped Milan for Los Angeles just two months ago.