France's fans respond with a special chant! Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise makes history
Michael Olise made history in several ways with his gala performance against Belgium - delighting the French fans at the Stade de France.
France trailed 1-0 in the 60th minute of Monday night's clash with Belgium when coach Zinedine Zidane decided it was time for Michael Olise. Desire Doue then levelled before the 24-year-old Bayern Munich star produced two goals and an assist in ten minutes, as France eventually won 4-1.
That haul brought several records at once. He is now the first player in history to register 10 assists for the French national team in a calendar year. He is also the first player to be directly involved in at least one goal in each of the first four matches under a new national coach. Overall, Olise has had a hand in six of the seven goals France have scored so far under Zidane. After 29 internationals for France, he has 11 goals and 12 assists.
During this international break, Les Bleus beat Belgium twice, won against Turkey and drew with Italy. Zidane's side therefore lead their Nations League group comfortably.
What are Michael Olise's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or?
Once Olise had finished his work against Belgium, the crowd at the Stade de France chanted: "Olise Ballon d'Or! Olise Ballon d'Or!" Asked about it in the TV interview afterwards, Olise smiled and replied: "I have nothing to say about that." Zidane also refused to comment directly on the fans' demand. "What he does is simply extraordinary," Zidane said only.
The Ballon d'Or will be awarded on 26 October at the London Palladium Theatre. Spain world champion Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and England striker Harry Kane of Bayern Munich are considered the favourites. Olise is rated only an outsider. His outstanding displays right now, including the show against Belgium, play no part in this year's Ballon d'Or award, as the assessment period ended with the World Cup final.
Next up, Olise returns to Bayern Munich, who are away to Augsburg in the Bundesliga next Saturday. His performances for the Munich club this season have matched what he has produced for the national team. In his first seven competitive matches, he has eight goals and four assists.
