Ballon d'Or Contender

Michael Olise has become the main star of the 2026 World Cup, and his emergence is already prompting significant statements. Willy Sagnol, former Bayern Munich coach and current Georgia manager, was blunt in an interview with BILD: "Olise is the best in the world, far ahead of everyone else. If he doesn't win the Ballon d'Or at the end of the year, something is seriously wrong with football." With those words, the former defender who once conquered titles at the Allianz Arena placed the French winger at the top of the current hierarchy, highlighting how his style has managed to unite Les Bleus fans and also connect with former professionals who see in him a model different from the figures who dominated the last two decades.

The comparison of Sangol

Sagnol delved deeper into that idea with a comparison that sparked debate. "Olise is a team player, not an individualist. For our children, there is finally a great role model. He doesn't care if he scores or assists, he always thinks about what helps the team," he explained. And he added: "Zidane was the same. Messi and Cristiano, who dominated the last 15 years, play a bit more for themselves and their statistics. Nothing against them, they are enormous. But Olise is a true team player."

Mbappé's reaction

Even Mbappé publicly acknowledged Olise's "elegance and vision," who went from being a promise at Crystal Palace to a star at Bayern and now, with the Les Bleus jersey, threatens to settle permanently at the top of world football.

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