Thierry Henry has backed Bayern Munich star Michael Olise to shine at the 2026 World Cup, praising the France winger’s intelligence, creativity, and remarkable rise.
Thierry Henry has tipped Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise to be one of the standout players at the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the French international as a talent capable of lighting up the tournament.
The former Arsenal and France striker made the comments during opening-day of the World Cup when asked which player he was most excited to watch over the coming weeks. Without hesitation, Henry named Olise as his player to watch, pointing to the exceptional season the Bayern Munich star has enjoyed both domestically and internationally.
“Michael Olise, simple,” Henry said. “We can talk about what he did for Bayern Munich – winning the double, player of the season, assists, goals. He is a dream for a coach.”
Henry’s praise carries extra weight given his previous experience working with the winger. The French legend coached Olise during France’s successful run to a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games and witnessed his development firsthand.
Reflecting on that time, Henry explained that Olise’s intelligence is what truly separates him from other players. “I had the opportunity to coach him. He doesn’t play the game, he thinks the game. That separates him from the others, for me,” Henry added.
Olise heads into the World Cup in outstanding form after enjoying the best season of his career. The 24-year-old played a key role in Bayern Munich’s domestic success, contributing goals and assists throughout a campaign that established him as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.
🚨 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧: Michael Olise has now produced 27 goals + 27 assists in all competitions this season.
Lionel Messi produced 82 goals + 34 assists in season 2011/12. pic.twitter.com/00YoloDYif
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 11, 2026
The winger also arrives at the tournament full of confidence after scoring the first hat-trick of his professional career in France’s final warm-up match before travelling to the United States.
With France set to begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal, Olise will be making his debut at a major international tournament and will be hoping to justify Henry’s belief by becoming one of the competition’s brightest stars.
