Giroud: Pulisic ready to take USA to next level at World Cup

Olivier Giroud, the former France striker and BBC Sport pundit, has backed Christian Pulisic to take the United States to the next level at this World Cup, describing his former teammate as mentally and physically ready for the challenge.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Giroud reflected on his own transition from player to pundit and shared his insights on Pulisic, with whom he played at Chelsea and AC Milan. Giroud, who retired from international football after Euro 2024, said he is enjoying the tournament from a different perspective but remains a passionate supporter of France.

Giroud on retirement and watching from the sidelines

Giroud admitted it feels strange to watch a World Cup from a TV studio rather than being on the pitch. He had been at every major finals with France since 2012, including four European Championships and three World Cups, before retiring from international duty in 2024.

“I am the number one fan of the French national side, and I wish them all the best, but 2024 was the right time for me to retire from international football,” Giroud said. “You need to know when to stop and, for me, that was the time. I was 37, the manager did not play me so much at those Euros and, also, I could see the numbers and the quality of the strikers coming through.”

He added that while he misses playing for France and felt nostalgic watching past tournaments, he has no regrets. Giroud attended France’s match against Northern Ireland in Lille, his club’s stadium, and expressed pride in the team and the fans.

Pulisic: The pressure of being 'Captain America'

Giroud highlighted the immense expectations placed on Pulisic, who joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 as a young talent already carrying the hopes of his nation. At AC Milan, teammates nicknamed him 'Captain America' because of his star status, even when he wasn't wearing the armband.

“He had a big responsibility because he was the main face of their team and he was also successful in Europe,” Giroud said. “It is the same now, even though he has only had a so-so season for Milan. He started well, but then the team collapsed and did not qualify for the Champions League, and he went a few months without scoring.”

Despite club struggles, Giroud noted that Pulisic consistently faces expectations to deliver for the USA, along with criticism when he falls short. The Frenchman praised Pulisic’s mental strength, forged through tough moments including injuries and poor form.

“Mental strength is massive for every player and I think he has been through some tough moments, with injuries or when he or the team has not been doing well, but they have all helped to make him the person he is and now he is ready to face this challenge,” Giroud said.

Gold Cup absence and readiness for the World Cup

Giroud addressed the controversy around Pulisic skipping last summer’s Gold Cup, when he told coach Mauricio Pochettino he needed rest. “Some people felt he was wrong to skip last summer's Gold Cup... but I felt then it was important to trust him because he knew his body better than anyone,” Giroud explained. “He was obviously thinking then about this summer, and the most important thing was what happened now.”

Giroud believes the absence may have increased expectations for the World Cup, but Pulisic is aware and ready. “At 27, he is still young but he is more mature now,” he added.

On a personal note, Giroud described Pulisic as initially timid but someone who opens up once you get to know him well.