Biography
Early Life
Michael Olise was born on December 12, 2001, in Westminster, London, to a Nigerian father and a French mother. Growing up between cultures, he could have chosen to represent England, France, or Nigeria internationally — a decision he eventually made in favour of France. He came through the Chelsea and Reading academies before Crystal Palace gave him his Premier League platform.
Breakthrough
At Crystal Palace, Olise became one of the most exciting wide players in English football — his free-kick ability, his directness from the right, his capability of cutting inside onto his left. Chelsea and Manchester United both chased him seriously in 2023 before Bayern Munich won the race, paying €53 million in the summer of 2024. He confirmed France as his international choice and hasn't looked back.
Career
At Bayern, Olise has been arguably the signing of the 2024 summer window. Twelve goals and 18 assists across 26 appearances in his debut Bundesliga season established him as one of Europe's most complete attacking players. He has electrified the Bundesliga with his directness, technique and eye for goal, and earned himself a starting berth in Les Bleus.
Personal Life
Olise holds British, French, and Nigerian passports. His multicultural background is something he discusses openly and with pride. He grew up navigating between London and France and feels at home in both worlds — a fluency that extends to his football, where he plays with equal confidence in tight spaces and in open fields.
Legacy
One of the best wide forwards in world football at 24. At Bayern, in the Champions League, in the France squad — Olise is exactly where the most naturally talented winger of his generation should be.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Made his professional debut at Reading in the Championship
Joined Palace for £8M and became one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League
Bayern paid €53M to take him to Germany — one of the most-watched transfers of the summer window
Established himself as a regular starter for the French national team
Fun Facts
Olise could have represented England, France, or Nigeria — he chose France, where he has quickly become an important player
His free-kick technique at Crystal Palace was so lethal that it drew comparisons with David Beckham and Juninho
Bayern paid €53 million for a player who had barely played a full injury-free season — a sign of how highly they valued him
He grew up in London as the son of a Nigerian father and French mother — one of English football's most international backstories
In his debut Bundesliga season, he recorded 12 goals and 18 assists in just 26 games — an extraordinary rate for a wide player
Data last verified: April 2026
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