Zidane praises Olise after match-winning displays for France
France coach Zinedine Zidane has praised Bayern Munich attacker Michael Olise as an instinctive footballer who enjoys the game. Olise assisted Kylian Mbappé in a 1-0 Nations League win over Turkey and then scored an 88th-minute winner against Belgium. The 24-year-old now has eight goals for France and has impressed in Zidane's first two matches in charge.
Michael Olise, 24, plays for Bayern Munich and has quickly become influential for France under new coach Zinédine Zidane. In Zidane’s opening two matches, Olise assisted Kylian Mbappé against Türkiye and then scored late against Belgium.
His Belgium goal came after he entered as a substitute, carried the ball from near midfield, advanced toward the defense and finished into the bottom corner in the 88th minute. It was his eighth France goal. Zidane, who succeeded Didier Deschamps, reacted with unusual touchline emotion.
Olise’s standout France displays could raise his profile among casual fans and increase attention on Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga in France and beyond. Young players may see his creative, instinctive style as a model, while French supporters could feel greater optimism about the national team’s attacking future. For clubs and broadcasters, such moments may also draw more engagement, though the long-term social impact will depend on sustained performance and broader accessibility of the sport.