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

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. Related News Florentino Pérez re-elected Real Madrid president Leao set to miss Eagles friendly after red card Inkosi Nigeria’s best performer at African Fencing Champs Clichy worked closely with Olise during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he served as assistant coach to Thierry Henry with France’s Under-23 team. France reached the final and won a silver medal, with Olise playing a key role throughout the competition. The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender believes the winger has developed significantly since his move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich and is now ready to showcase his talent to a global audience. “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 highlighted fellow attacking talent Rayan Cherki as another player capable of making a major impact. Like Olise, Cherki was part of France’s Olympic squad in Paris and has continued his rise at club level. “He’s an incredible talent,” Clichy said of Cherki. “He has so much creative quality with both feet and never looks uncomfortable on the ball.” With established stars such as Mbappé leading the squad and emerging talents like Olise and Cherki pushing for greater recognition, France will once again be among the favourites to challenge for World Cup glory in 2026. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilb