News Focus
- Gael Clichy predicts Michael Olise will announce himself as a global superstar at the 2026 World Cup
- The former France defender compares the Bayern Munich winger’s potential impact to Kylian Mbappe’s 2018 breakthrough
- Clichy also praises Rayan Cherki’s development at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola
- Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta receives backing after his Olympic heroics
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gael Clichy believes Michael Olise can become a true star at the upcoming World Cup. The Bayern Munich winger has the talent to copy Kylian Mbappe’s famous breakthrough in 2018.
Clichy will work as a BBC Sport pundit during the tournament in North America. He knows Olise well from the 2024 Paris Olympics. He worked as Thierry Henry’s assistant coach for the French under-23 team that won silver medals.
“Michael is already famous because he plays for Bayern Munich and appears in the Champions League,” Clichy said. “But this is his first World Cup. He has only played 16 times for the senior team. Many fans in France did not know him before last summer.”
The 22-year-old moved to the German club from Crystal Palace. He enjoyed a strong first season there. Clichy says that if Olise plays for France like he plays for Bayern, people will see him as one of the country’s best players.
Clichy also talked about Rayan Cherki’s improvement. The attacking midfielder joined Manchester City from Olympique Lyonnais and has changed his game under Pep Guardiola. The former left-back compared Cherki’s path to Samir Nasri’s career, though he thinks the City player has more talent.
“Rayan has amazing skill with both feet, but he needed to learn how to defend,” Clichy explained. “Working with Pep can make you great or ruin you. Rayan chose to listen. At only 22, he can still reach Kevin De Bruyne’s level.”
Finally, Clichy supported Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s place in the squad. The strong centre-forward helped Palace win the FA Cup and Conference League. He was also captain during the Olympics.
“Jean-Philippe is a traditional number nine with great physical power,” Clichy added. “He scores important goals and leads the team. His character will be vital if France want to win the trophy.”