At 38, Olivier Giroud is no longer playing at the very highest level of European football, but the former Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan striker still takes his fitness as seriously as ever.
Speaking ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, Giroud revealed the simple habits that have helped him maintain an elite physique throughout a career spanning nearly two decades.
Men’s Health: What’s the one fitness habit you never skip, even when travelling?
Olivier Giroud: The fitness habit I never miss would be my activation exercises before training to get my muscles ready.
MH: What’s your favourite exercise in the gym?
OG: Squats.
MH: Who’s the fittest player you’ve ever been team-mates with?
OG: Myself. (Laughs.)
But seriously, I’d say Blaise Matuidi. He had a very low percentage of body fat.
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MH: How has your training changed since your Men’s Health France cover in 2013?
OG: I haven’t really changed my habits or my training since then. I just try to maintain. Eating well and sleeping well are the key things for me.
At the end of the day, my body hasn’t changed that much, so I’m quite proud of that.
MH: What’s harder to maintain: elite fitness or an elite beard?
OG: Probably the beard.
I go to the barber maybe every three weeks, but in-between I have to do it myself, and it’s quite tricky.
MH: Any beard-maintenance tips?
OG: Not really. I don’t put any products on it, to be honest.
I’m happy to have some white hairs coming through. It gives me a bit of a George Clooney style.
All you need is a good clipper and the confidence to do it yourself.
MH: What’s your go-to meal when you can eat whatever you want?
OG: Raclette.
It’s melted cheese from Savoie, where I come from. It’s amazing with potatoes, cooked carrots, gherkins and salad.
MH: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about your nutrition?
OG: I have to eat a kiwi every morning.
Don’t ask me why. Energy, vitamins… it’s just become part of my routine.
My breakfast is always coffee, bread and honey, and a kiwi.
MH: Who’s reaching the World Cup final?
OG: France and Spain.
MH: And who’s finishing as top scorer?
OG: Kylian Mbappé.
