Why France's Olise is moving into Ballon d'Or picture

Michael Olise has emerged as a frontrunner for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, thanks to his stellar performances this season. The French midfielder has recorded an impressive 18 goals and 29 assists across all competitions for Bayer Munich in the 2025-2026 season, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's success. His ability to influence matches has drawn attention, and his recent form has solidified his place in the conversation for one of football's highest honors, according to reports from L'Équipe.

Olise's ascent in the footballing world is significant not only for his personal accolades but also for the French national team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, France will need all their stars in peak form. Olise's contributions could be vital in their quest to reclaim the World Cup title, particularly given his current form and the attacking depth of the squad, which boasts a combined market value exceeding €800 million, as noted by ESPN.

France's tactical setup under Didier Deschamps has evolved to utilize Olise effectively in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where he plays as a central attacking midfielder. This positioning allows him to enhance the team's build-up play, facilitating opportunities for wingers like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. The French side's defensive solidity, evidenced by conceding only four goals during qualifying, complements their attacking prowess, making them formidable contenders in the upcoming World Cup, according to BBC Sport.

As France gears up for their 2026 World Cup campaign, which begins on June 11, 2026, Olise's fitness and form will be crucial. The team faces a challenging path in a new tournament format that demands resilience and adaptability. Olise's current momentum will be vital as France navigates through group stages potentially featuring tough opponents like the Netherlands and Senegal. The combination of his individual brilliance and the team's collective strength will be key to their success, as they aim to capitalize on their talent and experience.