France national team: Michael Olise, king of through balls

30.06.26 FT World Cup

France

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Technically gifted, Michael Olise has once again proven that he is the midfield maestro Didier Deschamps can rely on to chase a third star at the World Cup after triumphs in 1998 and 2018.

The Bayern Munich midfielder dazzles not only with his dribbling but also with his passes played behind the defense—an asset that has become crucial for Les Bleus. His tally of through balls stands at 11, more than any other player at this 2026 World Cup.

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This is also the highest number recorded by a player in a single edition since Xavi in 2010. The Spaniard managed 12 through balls that year and shared several qualities with Olise, including exceptional vision on the pitch.

With two assists to his name, the 24-year-old now has five in total—just one shy of Pelé’s single-edition record (six in 1970).

He is also closing in on the overall record of eight assists, jointly held by Lionel Messi across six World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026) and Diego Maradona in four (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)—but Olise is doing it in just one tournament!

Olise will have the chance to boost his stats for both through balls and assists next Saturday against Paraguay.

Michael Olise's sensational season

The dazzling winger of Algerian descent has been a revelation this season, both for Bayern Munich and the French national team.

With the Bavarian club, he has netted 22 goals and provided 31 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.

On the international stage, he’s scored five goals and delivered eight assists in just 13 matches for Les Bleus.

His market value has surged on the “transfermarket” site, hitting the €150 million mark—almost double what it was in 2025.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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