News Focus
- Michael Olise scores his first ever hat-trick for France in World Cup warm-up victory
- Former striker Louis Saha claims the Bayern Munich star can reach Ballon d’Or level
- Didier Deschamps manages his final match on French soil after 14 years in charge
- Kylian Mbappe remains one goal behind Olivier Giroud’s all-time scoring record
- France travel to the United States for the World Cup following their win in Lille
France showcased their attacking strength during their final friendly on home soil before the World Cup. The team selected four elite forwards who had together netted more than 100 times for club and country throughout the previous campaign.
Kylian Mbappe failed to equal Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 goals for the national side. Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, who recently lifted the Champions League trophy with Paris Saint-Germain, also had quiet evenings. However, Michael Olise delivered a stunning performance against Northern Ireland.
The Bayern Munich wide player scored three goals in a single international match for the first time. This treble secured a winning farewell for France on French territory before their departure to Boston, Massachusetts.
Olise opened his account by reacting quickly after Dembele’s effort took a deflection. He then unleashed a powerful strike for his second before curling home a delightful third to complete his hat-trick.
Gael Clichy, who coached Olise at the Paris Olympics, had written in his BBC Sport column that the winger could become the tournament’s breakthrough star. Former France striker Louis Saha also offered high praise following the display.
“We expect this standard from a player with his ability,” Saha stated. “To win the Ballon d’Or, you must enter that conversation through consistent performances.”
Saha highlighted Olise’s professional mindset during three seasons at Crystal Palace as vital to his progress. The attacker transferred to Bayern Munich in 2024. Saha noted that France now possess three potential Ballon d’Or candidates, naming Mbappe and last year’s winner Dembele alongside Olise.
Manager Didier Deschamps, who will end his 14-year tenure following the World Cup, commended Olise’s development since his international debut in 2024. The player had caught the eye at the Paris Olympics prior to earning his first cap.
“Michael is exceptional. You can see his confidence growing,” Deschamps explained. “He creates decisive moments and contributes defensively. We will certainly need him at this level during the competition.”
Olise did not find the net in his first five international appearances. His treble against Northern Ireland takes his tally to seven goals from 12 matches.
Deschamps has further attacking options in Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki and Warren Zaire-Emery. Nevertheless, the manager considers Olise crucial if France are to secure a third World Cup title.
“He required time to feel settled. His personality leans towards being introverted,” Deschamps added. “We must continue supporting his integration. We need him performing at his maximum.”
The fixture represented Deschamps’ last opportunity to manage France on home ground. He has won the World Cup as both a player and a coach. Despite emotional tributes from the crowd, Deschamps refused to dwell on sentiment.
“I have received many messages. I feel the supporters’ love,” he said. “I am not nostalgic. I try to enjoy every minute exactly as I did when I first started.”
France will begin their World Cup journey against Senegal on 16 June in New Jersey. Their Group I schedule also includes matches against Iraq and Erling Haaland’s Norway.
While Olise celebrated his achievements, Mbappe faced frustration. The Real Madrid forward has scored 42 goals in 44 club matches this season but has only one strike in his last four international outings.
The 27-year-old saw one goal disallowed against Northern Ireland after Desire Doue was caught offside during the build-up. He also spurned several clear opportunities.
When journalists questioned Mbappe’s form ahead of the tournament, Deschamps dismissed any concerns. “You may worry if you choose. I will not,” he replied. “He has created chances. He tells me he is saving his scoring for the USA, so that suits me fine.”