Olivier Giroud just showed that he can not only score goals, but also save them. And now AC Milan is selling an Olivier Giroud goalkeeper jersey. Here's how it came to be.
Mike Maignan sent off, Olivier Giroud steps in and makes incredible last-minute save
In Saturday’s Serie A match between Genoa and AC Milan at the Luigi Ferraris stadium, Olivier Giroud traded his role of scoring goals for saving them at the other end.
In the 87th minute, after a highly disputed game, a cross from Yunus Musah and an absurd control followed by a shot from Christian Pulisic gave Milan the momentary last-minute victory from the UMSNT pair. It's Pulisic's fourth goal in eight Serie A appearances this season.
YUNUS MUSAH CHRISTIAN PULISIC
A USMNT LINK-UP TO GIVE MILAN THE LEAD. pic.twitter.com/U3ACK7aSvk— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 7, 2023
Captain America’s game-winning goal was quickly in jeopardy, though, as Mike Maignan was given a red card after a brutal standing tackle just outside the box in the 95th minute, after a VAR revision.
- STRAIGHT RED CARD MAIGNAN! pic.twitter.com/QFEi3Xmd3V
— (@TheEuropeanLad) October 7, 2023
With Mike Maignan sent off for the Rossoneris and with no substitutions left, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli was left no option but to place an outfield player at goal and the all-time France goalscorer was his first choice.
Playing with 10 men and with over seven minutes left, Olivier Giroud was set with the challenge of keeping a clean sheet in order to secure his team’s away victory.
Mike Maignan gets a red card and Olivier Giroud is now playing as goalkeeper pic.twitter.com/ndmmwOPlj4
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) October 7, 2023
This video of Oliver Giroud suiting up to play in goal pic.twitter.com/jYpOb4DCuS
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) October 8, 2023
The challenge was, in fact, accepted
In the closing minutes of the match, a long-ball sent into the box was ferociously punched out by the Frenchman, followed by a successful save of the loose ball.
AC Milan players and fans celebrated the double save like a goal.
Giroud went in goal last night and made an incredible save to preserve Milan’s win. For an outfielder to do this…it’s seriously brave! pic.twitter.com/wI51gXCYQM
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) October 8, 2023
Incredible fan footage of Olivier Giroud’s last minute save for AC Milan pic.twitter.com/2UxPLrlRI2
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) October 8, 2023
Giroud came up CLUTCH when he was in goal for Milan #GenoaMilan pic.twitter.com/W9KkrxLeDh
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 8, 2023
Incredible scenes.
As always, and even after ‘risking his life’ to give his team the three points, the legendary striker’s hair was still intact.
After all those saves Giroud’s hair is still perfect pic.twitter.com/hifaLhs2K5
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) October 7, 2023
Olivier Giroud’s cameo appearance between the posts was definitely one of the most notable moments we’ve seen this season. And AC Milan have made it possible for fans to immortalize the No. 9’s heroic moment.
AC Milan include Olivier Giroud in goalkeeping roster and sell his jersey
Yes, you can now buy Giroud’s AC Milan goalkeeping jersey.
On Sunday after the social media buzz over the French international's performance, Milan announced that their goalkeeping jersey with Olivier Giroud’s No. 9 will now be available for purchase.
Aiuto pic.twitter.com/GrEbsG2nIB
— Milan Zone (@theMilanZone_) October 8, 2023
AC Milan have made a GK kit with Giroud on the back after his save yesterday pic.twitter.com/NGi3AFrOx8
— Dubois (@CFCDUBois) October 8, 2023
This came with the inclusion of the striker as part of the club’s goalkeeping roster on their official website, where Giroud can now be seen next to Mike Maignan, Antonio Mirante, and Lapo Nava.
AC Milan have added Olivier Giroud as a goalkeeper pic.twitter.com/EEqBICjMEi
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) October 8, 2023
AC Milan have included Olivier Giroud in the goalkeepers list on their website after yesterday night’s save.
Reminder: he’s the all time record goalscorer of the French national team. pic.twitter.com/wcgTzSMoKO— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 8, 2023
Marketing genius.
AC Milan will now prepare fir their match against Juventus after the international break without Mike Maignan, with Antonio Mirante most likely lining up as the starting goalkeeper for the Derby. Just in case, though, let's have the Giroud No.9 goalkeeping jersey ready at all times on the bench, Milan.
Trading one French goalkeeper for another!
Olivier Giroud was forced to step in goal after Mike Maignan was given a red card(Via @CBSSportsGolazo)
pic.twitter.com/AUSYCUyEvV— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 7, 2023