Footballer Michael Olise: An 'anti-footballer' who lets his feet do the talking

Michael Olise's social media presence perfectly mirrors his personality: understated and artistic. While the French attacking midfielder boasts millions of followers like his national teammates Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, his profile lacks the ostentatious displays of fast cars, luxury brands, and trophies often seen among his peers. With just four posts shared with his over seven million followers, Olise's online aesthetic leans towards a calm, almost analog feel, featuring desaturated colors and occasional blurs, a stark contrast to the high-gloss image favored by many athletes.

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Football is a great sport, and therefore it should also be visually beautiful. It can be art.

This artistic sensibility extends to his view of the sport itself. "Football is a great sport, and therefore it should also be visually beautiful. It can be art," the 24-year-old shared in an interview with "L'Équipe." As France aims for its third World Cup title, Olise, the creative force in their midfield, will once again be orchestrating the team's play. His performance is crucial as "Les Tricolores" face Germany's recent conqueror, Paraguay.

Olise has emerged as a football star, amassing 42 goals and 54 assists in 107 competitive matches for Bayern Munich. Many regard him as a potential future Ballon d'Or winner. "Michael has undergone incredible development. Today, he is one of the best players in the world," commented coach Didier Deschamps, highlighting Olise's significant contribution, including covering approximately 41 kilometers in World Cup games – more than any other teammate. "A physical monster behind the artist," "L'Équipe" aptly titled him.

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Michael has undergone incredible development. Today, he is one of the best players in the world.

Yet, as much as Olise shines on the field, he consistently shuns the spotlight off it, embodying what could be called an "anti-footballer." He avoids showcasing a lavish lifestyle or seeking cameras, giving few interviews and preferring the shadows to the limelight. "Media presence is not his thing. The pitch is what's important to him, and then he wants his life," Deschamps reported. Even teammate Jamal Musiala had to persuade him into a brief interview, with Olise attempting to flee upon seeing cameras. "Let's just say: I prefer to speak with my feet," Olise once explained his reticence, offering a rare public statement.

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A physical monster behind the artist.

Despite his reserved nature, Olise is not an egoistical player. He derives as much joy from providing an assist as he does from scoring a goal. With five assists already in this World Cup, he trails only Pelé's 1970 record (6) for the most assists since data collection began. Facing Paraguay, Olise has another opportunity to showcase his playmaking abilities.

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Media presence is not his thing. The pitch is what's important to him, and then he wants his life.