Michael Olise, the Londoner who chose Zidane and Henry | OneFootball

Michael Olise’s attachment to France came from family and idols Zidane and Henry, not paperwork, despite growing up in London.

According to Superdeporte, he was raised in Hayes. His father, Vincent, played cricket for Nigeria, while his mother, Mina, kept French alive at home.

Primary teacher Doctor Triplett sent him to Hayes & Yeading. Mentor Sean Conlon coached him from age 6 at Old Isleworthians. He also ran cross-country and played chess.

After months at Arsenal he joined Chelsea at 9, then Manchester City at 14. A free spirit, he clashed with authority and was released at 16. There was talk of a back injury linked to a spinal issue.

Conlon took him back in and spread the word. Reading scout Brendan Flanagan secured a trial and, despite scepticism over earlier exits, pushed through, describing a polite, misunderstood talent that Reading could refine.

At 17 he featured in the European Cup for Reading Under-21s, then Joe Gomes promoted him to train with the first team and his debut followed quickly. With England focused on bigger academies, Mina sent footage to the French federation. Jean-Luc Vannuchi called him for the Under-18s, and England’s Under-20 approach came too late.

A tug-of-war ended when Henry summoned him for the Paris Olympics. Despite signing for Bayern that summer, he prioritised the Games, improved his French and bonded with team-mates. Didier Deschamps then gave him a senior debut against Italy in September 2024, realising his and Mina’s dream to wear France’s shirt like Zidane and Henry.

Source: Superdeporte