France Legend Backs Olise to Make Major Impact at 2026 World Cup

Former France international Gaël Clichy has backed Michael Olise to emerge as one of France’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winger heads into the tournament with increasing expectations following impressive performances for both club and country, with many viewing him as one of Europe’s rising attacking stars. Clichy believes the competition across the United States, Canada and Mexico could provide the perfect stage for Olise to establish himself globally, much like Kylian Mbappé did during the 2018 World Cup campaign. Drawing comparisons with Mbappé’s rise in Russia, Clichy said major tournaments often provide talented players with opportunities to elevate their status.

Although already recognised for his performances with FC Bayern Munich, Olise remains relatively new to the senior national team setup, having only recently become a regular figure in France’s squad. Clichy, who worked with Olise during the football competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics under assistant coaching duties alongside Thierry Henry, said the attacker showed strong qualities both on and off the pitch. The former defender noted that Olise has matured significantly since leaving Crystal Palace and believes his development in Germany has prepared him for the demands of elite international football. Clichy also singled out Rayan Cherki as another young player capable of making a strong impression for France in future competitions. With experienced stars and emerging talents combining in the squad, France is expected to remain among the favourites heading into the 2026 tournament.

#UTVAfrica#