Michael Olise has only played 16 times for France, but this summer he could announce himself as a global superstar. The 24-year-old Bayern Munich winger is heading to his first World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, and former France international Gael Clichy believes he has the talent to become one of France's very best. Olise is not the only French newcomer at the tournament, but his combination of club form, Olympic pedigree and a potential transfer tug-of-war between Bayern and Real Madrid makes him one of the most talked-about players ahead of the 2026 finals.
Olise was born in London and came through the youth system at Crystal Palace, where he made his Premier League debut. After impressing at Selhurst Park, he moved to Bayern Munich in 2024. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he played for France under-23s under Thierry Henry, with Clichy as assistant coach. France reached the final but narrowly missed gold. That tournament was Olise's first major international stage, but the World Cup is a different level entirely. He has since become a regular for the senior side, scoring four goals in 16 caps, including in a 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Ukraine in September 2025.
“Why Michael Olise could be France's breakout star at the 2026 World Cup.”
For UK readers, Olise's story is particularly relevant because he developed in English football. Crystal Palace fans will remember his dribbling and creativity, and his rise from the Premier League to Bayern and now the World Cup is a path many young British-based players aspire to. Unlike the old narrative of English players struggling abroad, Olise has thrived in Germany, and his performances in the Champions League have drawn attention from Europe's biggest clubs. Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a bid, which could trigger a tug-of-war with Bayern this summer.
Q: How good is Michael Olise? Gael Clichy, who worked with him at the Olympics, says Olise could be "one of the very best that we have in France." He compares his potential breakout to Kylian Mbappe's 2018 World Cup, where Mbappe went from known talent to global icon. Olise has the technical ability to beat defenders and create chances, and his season at Bayern has shown he can produce at the highest level.
Q: Why might Bayern Munich sell Olise? Bayern are facing interest from Real Madrid, who are readying a bid. The German club are also reportedly eyeing a move for Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United. Bayern could use the funds from an Olise sale to finance a Rashford transfer, but Rashford's £325,000-per-week wages are a significant stumbling block. They would need him to take a pay cut.
Q: What is Olise's role for France at the World Cup? Olise is likely to be a key attacking option for Didier Deschamps' side. He is one of several first-time World Cup players for France, along with Rayan Cherki, who also featured in the Olympic squad. With France aiming to win their third World Cup, Olise's creativity from the right wing could be crucial. He is expected to start or come off the bench to change games.
What happens next is uncertain. The World Cup kicks off in the coming days, and Olise's performances will determine whether he becomes a household name. Meanwhile, his club future hangs in the balance: if Real Madrid formalise their interest, Bayern must decide whether to sell or keep their rising star. For now, all eyes are on the pitch, where Olise has the chance to deliver on his immense promise.