Michael Olise is on the verge of equaling a decades-old World Cup assist record set by Brazilian legend Pelé. The 24-year-old French winger, currently representing France in the 2026 tournament in North America, needs just one more assist in the upcoming match against Morocco to match Pelé’s mark of six assists in a single World Cup, achieved in 1970.
Born in London and developed through Reading’s youth system, Olise’s rise in professional football has been rapid and notable. After signing with Crystal Palace as a teenager, he impressed during three seasons at Selhurst Park from 2021 to 2024. Although a move to Bayern Munich surprised some Premier League observers, Olise has since established himself as one of the world’s top creative players. Last season, he recorded 31 assists and 21 goals across all competitions in the Bundesliga, earning the league’s player of the season accolade.
Eligible to play internationally for France, England, Nigeria, Algeria, or Haiti, Olise committed early to France. Former French international Gael Clichy revealed that Olise declined a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad in favor of representing France at the Olympics, underscoring his dedication to Les Bleus.
Though he is yet to score at this World Cup, Olise’s creative output is unmatched this summer. His five assists in five games place him just three behind Lionel Messi’s record for total World Cup assists, despite having participated in significantly fewer matches. France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, praised Olise’s influence, highlighting his ability to link midfield and attack and his importance to the team’s offensive rhythm.
France is currently seeking to overturn a yellow card received by Olise during their last-16 victory over Paraguay. The booking came after an altercation with Paraguayan player Marias Galarza, who went down holding his face. Video evidence suggested Olise only grabbed the opponent’s shirt. If the appeal fails and Olise is cautioned again in the upcoming Morocco match, he would face suspension for a potential semi-final in Dallas.
As France aims to improve on their runner-up finish at the 2022 World Cup, Olise’s availability and continued creativity will be central to their ambitions. His journey from a London academy player to one of the tournament’s standout performers is drawing significant attention, with the prospect of making World Cup history adding further weight to his performance this week.