Michael Olise has emerged as one of the brightest attacking talents in world football. The Bayern Munich winger has developed into one of France’s most creative players, earning recognition for his exceptional dribbling, precise passing and ability to change games in the final third.
After starring in the Premier League and making a successful move to Bayern Munich, Olise has continued his rise on the international stage, becoming an important part of France’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Michael Olise profile
- Full name: Michael Akpovie Olise
- Date of birth: December 12, 2001
- Age: 24
- Place of birth: Hammersmith, London, England
- Nationality: French
- Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
- Preferred foot: Left
- Position: Right winger, attacking midfielder
- Current club: Bayern Munich
- Club number: 17
- National team: France
Where was Michael Olise born?
Olise was born in Hammersmith, London, England, on December 12, 2001. Despite being born in England, he represents France internationally.
His multicultural background gave him several international options. Olise’s mother is of French-Algerian descent, while his father is Nigerian, making him eligible to play for France, England, Algeria or Nigeria before ultimately choosing France.
Michael Olise’s youth career
Olise spent time in several of England’s top youth academies before beginning his professional career.
His youth clubs include:
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- Reading
It was at Reading where he completed his development and broke into professional football.
Reading breakthrough
Olise made his senior debut for Reading in 2019 and quickly became one of the Championship’s standout young players. His creativity, vision and technical ability helped establish him as one of England’s brightest prospects.
His performances earned him the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season award before attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.
Crystal Palace success
In 2021, Olise joined Crystal Palace, where he developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking players.
Known for his outstanding left foot, accurate crosses and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, he consistently ranked among the league leaders in assists and chances created despite battling injuries during portions of his Palace career.
His performances soon attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Bayern Munich move
Bayern Munich signed Olise in the summer of 2024, adding another elite creator to its attack.
The move proved to be an immediate success as he adapted quickly to the Bundesliga, producing goals and assists while helping Bayern compete for domestic and European honors.
His impressive combination of pace, technique and creativity has made him one of the club’s most influential attacking players.
France international career
Although eligible to represent four different nations, Olise committed his international future to France.
After representing France at youth level and impressing during the 2024 Olympic Games, he earned his senior debut and has since become a regular member of Didier Deschamps’ squad.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Olise has established himself as one of the tournament’s breakout stars. His creative playmaking, assists and chemistry with Kylian Mbappé have helped France advance into the knockout rounds and strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s elite young attackers.
Michael Olise playing style
Olise is widely regarded as one of football’s most technically gifted wingers.
His strengths include:
- Outstanding dribbling ability
- Elite vision and passing
- Precise left-footed crosses
- Excellent set-piece delivery
- Calmness under pressure
- Creativity in one-on-one situations
- Ability to play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder
Rather than relying solely on speed, Olise consistently creates scoring opportunities through intelligent movement, close control and exceptional decision-making in the attacking third.
Michael Olise career highlights
Among the biggest achievements of Olise’s career are:
- EFL Championship Young Player of the Season
- Premier League standout with Crystal Palace
- Transfer to Bayern Munich in 2024
- Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich
- France senior international
- One of the leading playmakers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Michael Olise continues his rise
Still only 24 years old, Michael Olise has already established himself among Europe’s top attacking players. From his early days at Reading to becoming a key figure for Bayern Munich and France, his career trajectory continues to point upward.
With his combination of creativity, technical excellence and composure in big matches, Olise appears poised to remain one of world football’s premier playmakers for years to come.