Michael Olise has the skill and quality to become France's breakthrough star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to former France defender Gaël Clichy. Olise, who has established himself as one of Europe's most dynamic attacking players, has high hopes going into his first World Cup.
The attacker for Bayern Munich has become Clichy: Olise Might be France's Breakout Star at the 2026 World Cup height.
According to a BBC Sport report on Monday, Clichy said Olise has the capacity to make an impression on football's biggest stage, drawing parallels with Kylian Mbappé's breakout performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Clichy remarked, "We knew Mbappé was a special talent before 2018, but that World Cup was when he truly arrived." "I'm hoping Michael can accomplish something comparable this summer."
Olise is still relatively new to the French senior squad, despite being well-known for his Champions League performances for Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old is getting ready for his first significant international competition with the national team after making just 16 appearances for Les Bleus.
As Thierry Henry's assistant coach for France's Under-23 team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Clichy collaborated closely with Olise. Olise was crucial to France's success throughout the competition as they advanced to the final and took home a silver medal.
The former defender for Manchester City and Arsenal thinks the winger has grown a lot since joining Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace and is now prepared to show off his skills to a worldwide audience.
Clichy remarked, "I know how good he is and what a top person he is as well." "People will recognize him as one of France's top players if he performs at the same level as he has for Bayern Munich."
Rayan Cherki, a fellow offensive talent, was also mentioned by Clichy as another player with significant potential. Cherki, like Olise, was a member of France's Olympic team in Paris and has continued to advance at the club level.
Regarding Cherki, Clichy remarked, "He's an incredible talent." "He never appears uncomfortable on the ball and has such creative quality with both feet."
France will once again be among the favorites to compete for World Cup victory in 2026, with seasoned players like Mbappé guiding the team and up-and-coming players like Olise and Cherki striving for more exposure.
