Michael Olise in the form of his life right now, fully living up to the £50.8m transfer fee Bayern Munich paid to sign the France winger from Crystal Palace two years ago.
The 24-year-old is heading into his first major tournament as one of the most red-hot players on the planet, and LiveScore Bet are currently offering odds of 10/1* on him winning the Golden Ball for the standout player at the World Cup 2026.
With 22 goals and 26 assists to his name in all competitions for Bayern this season, Olise possess the kind of all-round attacking threat that can light up the World Cup – and France will be banking on him to do just that as they aim to go one better than last time around and lift the trophy for a third time.
Olise set up Hugo Ekitike’s winning goal in 10-man France’s 2-1 friendly win over Brazil during the last international break, and he’s found the net four times in his 15 caps to date – having made his senior debut for Les Bleus in 2024.
“I have always had a connection with the France national team; that is why I play for France,” the former Reading player said of his decision to represent one of four countries he could have chosen, having been born in England to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother.
An attacking star has gone home with the Golden Ball at all bar one World Cup since it became an official award in 1982 (Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was the exception in 2002) – and Olise wouldn’t be the first France player with Algerian heritage to claim it, either… In 1998, a certain Zinedine Zidane picked up the prize as France were crowned world champions for the first time as hosts.
Back Michael Olise to win the World Cup 2026 Golden Ball at 10/1 with LiveScore Bet
*Odds correct as of 19/5/26
Next, see 'Which Player Has Made the Most World Cup Appearances?'
