Best team in the Western Conference after 34 days of the regular season, Los Angeles FC left for the playoffs like Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami (who finished at the top of the general ranking). The Californian team was beaten in the conference semi-finals by the Seattle Sounders (1-2, ap), at home, on November 23. A big disappointment for the two French football legends Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud.
After his chaotic end to his career at Tottenham, Lloris joined LAFC in December 2023 by signing a one-year contract with an option to extend until 2025 then 2026. The 37-year-old goalkeeper was officially retained by his club, who validated five extensions and declined the option for five players, including Carlos Vela, star player of LAFC during his first seasons in 2018 and 2019. Marlon Santos, the former Barça and Nice defender, was also not renewed.
Lloris and Giroud with Griezmann?
Giroud was assured of continuing the adventure in Southern California, he who signed a contract last May until December 2025 with an option for 2026. The top scorer in the history of the Blues experienced a catastrophic half-season since he simply hasn’t scored in 14 MLS matches, settling for two assists on the clock. Los Angeles suddenly weakened for the playoffs by hiring the 38-year-old center forward of the 2018 world champions.
Denis Bouanga was also extended by Los Angeles FC. The former Stéphanois became the flagship player of the Californian team by having two magnificent seasons (25 goals and 7 assists in 2023, 21 goals and 11 assists in 2024). LAFC has two “designated players” with Bouanga and Giroud (part of their salary is not taken into account in the
salary cap). To see if a certain Antoine Griezmann will be the third possible “designated player” of the franchise.
