Michael Olise breaks World Cup assist record and reacts to France’s exit

by Liam O'Connor Sports Editor

Following France’s run at the tournament, GOAL reflected on the World Cup, expressing disappointment over the team’s finish alongside pride in a historic individual milestone. France swept through the early stages of the tournament in impressive fashion before eventual world champions Spain defeated them in the semi-finals, according to Goal. In the third-place play-off, France ultimately lost to England.

Michael Olise Breaks World Cup Assist Record After France’s Campaign

Despite the semi-final and play-off setbacks, the 24-year-old attacker set a new benchmark on the international stage. GOAL produced seven assists in total across his appearances at the 2026 World Cup, surpassing the previous record of six assists set by Pelé at the 1970 World Cup.

That we did not manage to bring the trophy home is a huge disappointment. It was not how we had imagined the end of this World Cup at the start of the tournament, Olise wrote in a statement on Instagram. He added that he was proud to have set the record for the most assists in the history of a World Cup.

Farewell Message to Didier Deschamps

In his social media statement, GOAL reserved special thanks for departing national team coach Didier Deschamps. The player credited Deschamps for making his first call-up to the national team possible and for maintaining belief in him during difficult moments.

Photo: sports.yahoo.com

I will always be grateful to you for that, and I wish you all the best for the future, whatever path you may take, GOAL wrote to Deschamps. As things stand, Deschamps’ future has seen French football icon Zinedine Zidane take over as national team coach.

Spontaneous New York Kickabout Highlights Extended Break

While still on his extended World Cup break, sports.yahoo.com made headlines during a visit to the United States. In New York City, he spontaneously joined a group of amateur footballers for a casual evening kickabout on a local pitch, according to Yardbarker.

Michael Olise Bayern 2025
Photo: GOAL

A video shared by the amateur match platform GoodRec showed the Bayern Munich star playing in socks and wearing chequered trousers that were far too long, which he repeatedly stepped on while running. Despite the casual attire, he featured prominently in the game, attempting his trademark finish from the right with his left foot before an opponent blocked the shot. He beats us even in socks, GoodRec posted on social media alongside a group photo of Olise with his teammates and opponents.

Transfer Speculation and Bayern Munich’s Firm Stance

Away from international duty, persistent transfer speculation has linked foxsports.com with Spanish giants Real Madrid, who view the attacker as a key potential addition. Bayern Munich club bosses have repeatedly stressed that a sale of Olise this summer is out of the question, with club president Herbert Hainer stating that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez can save himself the trouble of making an offer because Bayern does not want to sell.

Michael Olise the Assist King of World Cup 2026

Bayern’s hierarchy is putting together a contract renewal package that could double his wages, while his current deal runs until 2029. Teammate Dayot Upamecano also dismissed the rumors while on international duty with France, insisting emphatically that the winger is staying in Munich. Like fellow semi-finalist Harry Kane and teammate Upamecano, GOAL will not return to team training with Bayern Munich until after the club’s Asia tour.

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