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Former France defender Gaël Clichy has backed Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise to emerge as one of the standout players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the winger possesses the quality and temperament to make a defining impact on football’s biggest stage.
Clichy, who worked closely with Olise during the 2024 Paris Olympics as part of Thierry Henry’s coaching staff, believes the 24-year-old is approaching a breakthrough moment in his international career despite being relatively new to the senior national team setup.
Speaking in comments reported by BBC Sport, Clichy compared Olise’s current trajectory to that of France captain Kylian Mbappé before the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“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.”
Olise heads into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico on the back of an impressive rise at Bayern Munich, where he has established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players.
While his performances in the UEFA Champions League have earned widespread recognition, the winger is still building his profile with the French national team, having made only 16 appearances for Les Bleus.
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Clichy said Olise’s development since leaving Crystal Palace for Bayern has been remarkable, adding that the World Cup could provide the ideal platform for him 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.”
The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender also identified another emerging French talent, Rayan Cherki, as a player capable of making a significant impact at the tournament. Cherki, who also featured prominently for France during the Paris Olympics, has continued to strengthen his reputation with a series of eye-catching performances at club level.
“He’s an incredible talent,” Clichy said. “He has so much creative quality with both feet and never looks uncomfortable on the ball.”
With Mbappé leading an experienced squad and a new generation spearheaded by players such as Olise and Cherki pushing for greater prominence, France will once again enter the 2026 World Cup among the leading contenders for the title.
For Olise, however, the tournament could represent more than a shot at silverware it may be the stage where he announces himself as one of world football’s elite talents.
