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Olise can be France’s breakout star at 2026 World Cup — Clichy

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former France defender Gaël Clichy believes Michael Olise can become France's breakout star at the 2026 World Cup.
  • Clichy compared Olise's potential impact to Kylian Mbappé's breakthrough at the 2018 World Cup.
  • Olise, who has played a key role for Bayern Munich, is preparing for his first major international tournament with the French national team.

Former France international Gaël Clichy has tipped winger Michael Olise to be the standout performer for the French national team at the 2026 World Cup. Olise has rapidly emerged as one of Europe's most exciting attacking talents, establishing himself as a key player for Bayern Munich. Clichy believes the upcoming tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could be the stage for Olise to reach an even higher level of recognition.

We knew Mbappé was a special talent before 2018, but that World Cup was when he truly arrived. I hope Michael can do something similar this summer.

— Gaël ClichyComparing Michael Olise's potential impact at the 2026 World Cup to Kylian Mbappé's breakthrough performance in 2018.

Drawing parallels with Kylian Mbappé's impactful debut at the 2018 World Cup, Clichy expressed his hope that Olise can replicate that success. "We knew Mbappé was a special talent before 2018, but that World Cup was when he truly arrived," Clichy stated, adding, "I hope Michael can do something similar this summer."

Although Olise is a familiar name due to his club performances, he is relatively new to the senior French squad, with only 16 appearances for Les Bleus. His experience with the national team includes a significant role in France's Under-23 team during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he helped secure a silver medal under Thierry Henry's coaching. Clichy, who worked closely with Olise during the Olympics, noted the winger's significant development since his move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich.

I know how good he is and what a top person he is as well. If he brings the same level he has shown for Bayern Munich, then people will see he is one of the very best players France has.

— Gaël ClichyPraising Michael Olise's talent and character, and predicting his impact on the French national team.

"I know how good he is and what a top person he is as well," Clichy said. "If he brings the same level he has shown for Bayern Munich, then people will see he is one of the very best players France has." Clichy also mentioned Rayan Cherki as another promising talent capable of making a significant impact, highlighting his creative abilities and comfort on the ball.

He’s an incredible talent. He has so much creative quality with both feet and never looks uncomfortable on the ball.

— Gaël ClichyDescribing fellow French attacking talent Rayan Cherki.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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