Considered too inexperienced for a call-up for the 2022 World Cup, four years down the line, Michael Olise has become one of the World Cup debutants ready to turn heads in North America.
A Masterclass Statement
While he had flashes of brilliance at Crystal Palace, his move to Bayern Munich has turned him into a world – class talent, and last night in Lille, the French forward announced himself on the international stage with a sumptuous hat-trick.
It was hard to imagine Olise scoring all three in a match that paraded all the frontline french attackers – Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Kylian Mbappe. Although his first was partly due to luck, as he capitalized on a deflection by Dembele, his second was pure strength as he powered home a terrific strike, before adding his third with a beautifully curved effort.
🔥 VICTORY 3️⃣-1️⃣ !
Les Bleus get the win in their last warm-up match before the World Cup thanks to a hat-trick from Michael Olise 💙#FRANIR pic.twitter.com/tWfsfsbPox
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) June 8, 2026
His treble was a befitting send-off to Boston, Massachusetts, the base of the French team.
Ahead of France’s World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday 16th June at the MetLife Stadium, the star-studded Les Blues are gunning for their third World Cup title, but it won’t be on a platter of gold.
Olise may be nonchalant off the field, but his precision and delivery from the right flank is not in question.
Deschamps Hails Olise
He did not score in his first five international appearances, but his hat trick last night took his tally to seven goals in 12 matches for Les Blues.
Didier Deschamps, who overlooked him 4 years ago, could not help but hail his progress and delivery.
“Michael is amazing. You can see it, he’s really confident right now,” Deschamps said.
“He’s decisive and clinical. For an offensive player, he’s making the efforts to defend as well. We’ll definitely need Michael at this level, and also other players too, of course.”
“It took some time for him to feel relaxed. His temperament is really more of an introvert player,” Deschamps added.
“It’s our job also to move along with him, to help him integrate. We’ll need him to play at his best level.”
Olise Enters Ballon d’Or Conversation
After a stellar season at Bayern Munich which saw him contribute 20 goals in all competitions, the French forward helped the Bundesliga Champions to win the DFB Pokal and the league title.
He won at least seven major individual honors last season including Bundesliga player of the year and made it to the Champions League Team of the Year.
There is no clear favorite for the Golden Ball in the meantime. The race remains wide open with Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe all in contention.
This year, the World Cup takes precedent unless there are no outstanding players. However, the French striker of Nigerian descent has an equal chance with the aforementioned players, but he must first take the World Cup by storm.
