France icon Thierry Henry has named compatriot Michael Olise as the player he’s most excited to watch in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Olise is one of the most promising youngsters of this generation who’s set to play in his first World Cup this summer.
Olise is coming to the FIFA World Cup fresh after a stellar season with Bayern Munich, contributing 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 appearances across competitions. He’s won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the German Super Cup with the Bavarians. The 24-year-old is set to be an undisputed starter for France in the World Cup and an integral part of Deschamps’ squad.
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In an interview with FOX Sports, France legend Thierry Henry named Michael Olise as the player he’s most excited to watch in the FIFA World Cup. He said:
“Simple. We can talk about it, what he did for Bayern Munich, winning the double, player of the season, assists, goals. That would be the first time we’ll see him on the world stage. But for me, what it does is separate him from the other players that you can name here. It’s what he does also off the ball. He’s a dream for a coach.”
He added:
“He doesn’t play the game, he thinks the game. What he does off the ball, pressure, recovering, you can play him in a lot of positions, and you know you don’t have to adapt and change your team for him in order to hide when they have to press or do the difficult job. He will do it always. That separates him from the others.”
Thierry Henry notably coached Michael Olise as part of the France under-23 national team, when they finished with a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Olise has since then risen to become one of the most sought-after wingers in the world, with fans ready to watch him in his debut FIFA World Cup.
France coach Didier Deschamps showers praise on Michael Olise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
In an interview with L’Equipe ahead of the 2026 World Cup, France boss Didier Deschamps waxed lyrical about Michael Olise and his importance in the team. Deschamps’ comments came after Olise scored a hat-trick in Les Blues’ 3-1 pre-friendly win against Northern Ireland. He said (via FCB Inside):
“He has played outstandingly well this season, both at Bayern and with us. He is brimming with confidence and is incredibly decisive. He also has a remarkable willingness to run. We need a Michael at this level.”
What makes Olise an exceptional rising superstar is that he’s a creator as much a winger. The Frenchman is exceptional in creating chances and set-piece delivery, while showing immaculate control in tight spaces.
Les Blues will face Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), and Norway (June 26) in the group stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar