Paris (France) (AFP) - An assist in Turkey and a goal against Belgium: Frenchman Michael Oliset, who was returned by Zinedine Zidane to the right side, his favorite position, does not cease to amaze the football world, thus removing the specter of a dull end to the 2026 World Cup.

Published on: 02/10/2026 - 09:38

Entering a quarter of an hour before the end of the match on the floor of King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, at a time when the “Blues” players were improving their resistance against the “Red Devils” in the European Nations League, the French striker broke the knot of the match with a wonderful move, giving Zidane his second victory in two consecutive matches.

The new coach of the two-time world champion said with a wide smile, "I accompanied Michael's movement. I felt that he was going to start dribbling. He made an extraordinary movement. Then I saw the ball and had to kick it. This is funny," after he had run along the touchline before kicking a ball that was placed in front of him to express his joy.

When he was a player, Zizou was as talented on the field as he was taciturn off it, like his rising star who dazzled with the ball at his feet, but he was regularly criticized for his indifference once he left the field.

Oliseh starting against Italy?

Olise, who was a substitute against Belgium, will likely regain his place as a starter on Friday against Italy, on the occasion of Zidane's return to the Stade de France, nearly 20 years after his last match in this stadium.

The German Bayern Munich winger had left the ranks of the “Blues” due to a bitter ending in the last three knockout matches of the 2026 World Cup, as his sparkle faded after he shone in the groups and the round of sixteen against Sweden (3-0) with his talent.

After Didier Deschamps placed him in the playmaker position, within an attacking lineup of four players, surrounded by Ousmane Dembele and Desiree Doue and behind Kylian Mbappe, he was one of the most prominent French players thanks to his dribbles, passes, and smooth technique.

Despite this disappointing end, during which he was unable to exert his influence to win the third title that the French were aspiring to, Oliset finished the tournament as the best playmaker, setting a record for the number of assists in a single edition with seven assists.

Thierry Henry, who led him in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, which he concluded with a silver medal, did not hesitate to praise his performance during the American World Cup.

"phenomenon"

The former English Blues and Arsenal legend explained on Fox Sports during the North American World Cup, “Michael is a real phenomenon. He has real football intelligence. This player is on another planet, he is really different.”

He added, "The best player will always remain Kylian, thanks to his decisiveness in matches and his exceptional statistics. But the most important player is Michael Oliseh."

A few weeks later, Oliseh hit the ground running again, starting his third season with Bayern Munich. In four stages of the German League, he scored four goals and provided two assists.

His statistics with his club amounted to eight goals and seven assists in all competitions.

The change brought about by Zinedine Zidane in the offensive combination of the Blues, which led to a comprehensive rearrangement whereby Mbappe now plays on the left side, Oliseh on the right, and Ousmane Dembélé in the pivot, did not affect the effectiveness of the Bavarian player.

He is considered to be the one who presented the ball to Mbappe to score the first goal during Zidane's reign in Türkiye, before the French captain suffered a knee injury during this movement. He was also the one who crowned the good performance of the French substitutes against Belgium with his wonderful move.

The rising star has actually returned strongly after the “Blue” disappointment in the World Cup.

© 2026 AFP

The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.