Former France defender Gaël Clichy believes Michael Olise has the talent and quality to emerge as France’s breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Olise heads into his first World Cup with growing expectations after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players.
The Bayern Munich forward has become a key figure for both club and country, but Clichy believes the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico could elevate him to another level.
As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, drawing comparisons with Kylian Mbappé’s breakthrough campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Clichy said Olise has the ability to announce himself on football’s biggest stage.
“We knew Mbappé was a special talent before 2018, but that World Cup was when he truly arrived,” Clichy said. “I hope Michael can do something similar this summer.”
Although Olise is already well known through his performances for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, he remains relatively new to the France senior team. The 24-year-old has made only 16 appearances for Les Bleus and is preparing for his first major international tournament with the national side.
