Read for 5 minutesJune 23, 2026 09:00 AM IST
There are 75 players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup who were born in France – representing around 10 nations. Michael Olis, the lynchpin of the French attack, pulling the strings from the puppet right wing, setting up Kylian Mbappé’s strike – not one. Olis was born in London.
Dubbed the ‘today and tomorrow’ of French football by Mbappé, his assist helped France settle early nerves and the French captain’s first-half goal against Senegal. Against Iraq in a rain-soaked game, Olis quickened France’s progress when his perfect service to Mbappé made it 15 World Cup goals for his captain in his 100th appearance. Roaming down the right, outside the peripheral vision of the defensive unit, Ollis continued to ping in accurate passes that the French forwards could convert, Dembele received Ollis’ assist and scored the French’s third goal in a 3–0 victory.
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The reason why Mbappé and Olise strike so quickly is because his left foot on the right side works at an angle, striking with a spinning acceleration in such a rhythm that Mbappé is delivering on his feet. Like an ancient bombardier’s Norden bombsight, Olis is gauging movement around the hostage box, mapping out potential routes for his teammates, and using his creative vision to open supply lines and clear a path for the captain.
There was displeasure from the English Shores when Ollis chose to play for France. He grew up in London, born to a Nigerian-English father and a Franco-Algerian mother. “I have four parts of each of these countries. All four parts enrich me,” he maintains.
Michel Olisse, left, and Kylian Mbappe celebrate after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group I match between France and Senegal in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Explaining why he chose France, he said, “I have always had a connection with the French national team. It was a childhood dream to play for them as I spent a lot of holidays at my mother’s house,” he explained.
His brother still plays for Chelsea, while after a fruitful spell at Crystal Palace, Michael moved to Bayern Munich, where, in addition to becoming the club’s youngest goal-scorer, he showed the flair and generosity of making the most assists in a single season – 10.
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As such, a hostage fit in this multi-cultural, multi-motivated French team. He may not have grown up among the urban outcasts of Paris, but in addition to the mixed nationalities in his genes, Aulis was shaped by many powerful influences. His youth career at Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City coincided with his long spells with French greats Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry. He was simultaneously mesmerized by Neymar’s trick-dribbles and how he blazed across the field at breakneck speed.
But at 18, Ollis was in no doubt who he wanted to turn out for – he would earn a place in the home squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning silver. A senior call-up from Didier Deschamps was on the horizon, and he would immediately link up with Mbappé, giving France creative consistency from his right half position.
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After the Senegal-win, Mbappe half-praised Olis, laughing that the press would never be able to falsify him because he hated talking to the media. This earned him the French nickname Mr. Nonchalant, much to Mbappe’s delight.
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The French attack circled their defensive wall and created a rhythmic ring of short passes to break the Iraqi shape on Monday, with Ollis the clear conductor of the orchestra. That he enjoys dropping back and providing bespoke passes works well for the French striker and Mbappe. He and Dembele can create chances and destroy defences, even before Du and Cherky arrive.
His braided ponytail that bounces around when scored doesn’t always make it into the frame. But in a rare interview with Byrne, Ollis opened up about his fashion interests. “One thing I love about France is the fashion. I’m someone who dresses up smart even if I’m going out to buy bread!” He jokes. Eats and doesn’t leave a single piece, this Michael.