France coach Zinédine Zidane lauds "natural leader" Olise

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·4 October 2026

French national team coach Zinédine Zidane has singled out Bayern Munich's Michael Olise for praise during the international break.

“He's a bit reserved and shy off the pitch, but that's fine because on the pitch he's not shy at all," said Zidane, speaking to Téléfoot TF1.

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"He's a natural leader with his game that he brings [to the French team]. He's also showing all his talent with the ball.

“He has established himself here for a while and is doing very well at his club,” the 54-year-old head coach explained.

On Friday night, Olise produced a stunning goal from a freekick before France were pegged back and held to a 1-1 draw by Italy.

Later this evening, Les Bleus host Belgium at the Stade de France in Paris, with Olise likely to play a key role for Zidane's side yet again.