Giroud Praises Kante’s Mentality, Says Midfield Star Remains “Crucial for France”

Former France forward Olivier Giroud has praised N’Golo Kanté’s enduring influence on the national team, insisting the midfielder remains “crucial for Les Bleus” despite spending recent years outside Europe’s top leagues.

Giroud recalled a conversation with Kanté shortly after France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, revealing that the midfielder once considered retiring from international football.

“When we were back at Chelsea after winning the World Cup, N’Golo said to me, ‘I think I am going to retire from the national team,’” Giroud said. “I told him no, you are too young to stop. You are top of the world. You need to carry on.”

That moment, Giroud explained, proved to be a turning point, with Kanté going on to remain a key figure for France more than eight years later.

The 35-year-old midfielder has since played outside the Premier League, featuring in Saudi Arabia and later moving to Fenerbahce in Turkey, but Giroud insists his quality and attitude have not changed.

“NG is NG,” Giroud said. “You might not have seen him in the Premier League for a few years, but he has not changed.”

Giroud also highlighted how France’s approach to selecting players has evolved, noting that manager Didier Deschamps is now more open to picking players based outside Europe’s elite leagues if they continue to perform.

He pointed to examples such as André-Pierre Gignac, who played in Mexico but was still trusted at international level, and stressed that Kanté remains valuable regardless of where he plays.

Describing his former teammate’s impact, Giroud said Kanté’s energy and mentality continue to lift the entire squad.

“His energy is incredible and his mentality is contagious,” he said. “When you see him running everywhere, it gives you strength to do the same.”

Giroud added that Kanté’s role may not always be as a starter, but his importance to the team remains unchanged, especially in difficult matches where France need control and defensive balance.

“When we needed to defend a result in 2018, he was vital,” Giroud said. “He can do two jobs. It’s like playing with 12 men.”

Beyond his on-pitch ability, Giroud also praised Kanté’s personality, describing him as a calm, humble and well-liked presence in the dressing room.

“He brings the sunshine when he is smiling,” Giroud said. “Everyone loves him. He is quiet, shy, but very important for team harmony.”

Looking ahead, Giroud believes Kanté could still play a decisive role in major tournaments, either as a starter or an impact player off the bench.

“Even if he does not start every game, he will be important in every match,” he said. “In later stages, I would not be surprised if he is starting again.”

Giroud concluded by stressing that France’s current generation must now build their own legacy.

“We have done our part in 2018. Now they need to do theirs,” he said. “The journey starts now.”