In an era of elite attacking talent, Michael Olise has emerged as one of the most electrifying performers in European football. After two stunning performances for Bayern Munich against Real Madrid, the question of whether he is the best winger in the world has to be asked.
Olise has been part of a dynamic attacking trio that is rewriting the record books at Bayern this season. He, Harry Kane and Luis Díaz have combined for a staggering 59 goals and counting in the Bundesliga alone – of which the France international has scored 12.
Goals aren’t the only metric of Olise’s brilliance this term, however. He leads the league for assists (18) while also ranking highest at Bayern for crosses delivered from open play (42).
Creatively, he is setting the standard in multiple key areas. With six assists from corners, Olise is second only to Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund, while he has also completed the highest number of one-two passes (26), underlining his intelligence and improvisation in the final third.
These are not just flashy statistics, they underline his ability to break defensive lines and create high-quality chances week after week.
Beyond that, the intangibles make him a must-watch at Bayern. Far from being a one-dimensional forward, the London-born winger is capable of producing individual moments of magic, seemingly out of nowhere.
Watch: The top 5 goals from Matchday 29, featuring Michael Olise
Olise primarily operates on the right, although he has also been used as a number 10 for France. When deployed out wide, he combines flair with efficiency, as his trademark cuts inside have drawn comparisons to Bayern great Arjen Robben.
His technical ability allows him to thrive in tight situations, as his 49 percent duel success rate highlights. Despite consistently being man-marked and even doubled up on by rival defenders, his dizzyingly quick feet make him a nightmare to dispossess.
Watch: Unplayable Olise doing Robben things
Olise has featured in 62 of a possible 64 Bundesliga matches since moving to Munich, missing games only due to suspension or rotation – not injury. His durability has been crucial in helping Bayern challenge on multiple fronts, especially in the absence of Jamal Musiala last year.
So, can he legitimately claim to be the best winger on the planet? His teammate Kane certainly thinks so. “I’d say he [Olise] is currently the best winger in the world,” the Bayern forward told DAZN. “He creates a lot of chances and isn’t afraid to dribble. I think he’s one of our main players, along with Díaz.”
Former Real Madrid and Portugal star Luís Figo knows a thing or too about playing out wide, and he too has been effusive in his praise: “Michael Olise is an incredible player who made the difference in the tie [against Real Madrid] and is having an amazing year. He’ll soon be one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or individually, although the team’s performance also counts. It’s a positive surprise.”
There are many potential candidates, from Yamine Lamal to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Vinícius Jr. All are capable of scoring and creating in equal measure and yet none of them can match the Bayern man’s 47 goal involvements in all competitions this season.
Olise’s status as the world’s best isn’t quite cemented yet. A UEFA Champions League trophy this season, should Bayern go on and win it, might change that.
But at 24, with elite output and room still to grow, Olise is not just in the conversation, he is currently setting the standard. At this rate, Kane’s biggest competition for the 2026 Ballon d’Or may well be his own teammate.
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