Michael Olise's hat-trick elevates France into Ballon d'Or discussion for 2026

Michael Olise scored a first international hat-trick to lead France to victory in their World Cup warm-up, boosting his Ballon d'Or prospects.

France's attacking quartet dazzles More than 100 goals combined across club and country last season highlighted why France unleashed four elite attackers in their final World Cup warm-up against Northern Ireland. While Kylian Mbappe fell short of Olivier Giroud's France scoring record and Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue had quiet performances after securing the Champions League with PSG, Michael Olise emerged as the standout performer. The Bayern Munich winger delivered his first international hat-trick, capping off France's triumph in Boston, Massachusetts with a dominant display. ## Olise's stellar performance details Olise's first goal came somewhat fortuitously as he reacted to a deflected Dembele shot, while his second was a powerful strike. He completed the hat-trick with a skillful curling finish. Ahead of the match, Gael Clichy, who previously coached Olise at the Paris Olympics, wrote in his column that the winger possessed the potential to become the breakthrough star of the tournament. ## Ballon d'Or aspirations for Olise Former France striker Louis Saha emphasized that Olise's standout display was exactly what should be expected from a world-class player. He stressed that consistency is crucial for Ballon d'Or consideration, noting that top performers like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo maintain elite levels every time. Saha also praised Olise's mentality developed during three seasons at Crystal Palace before his 2024 move to Bayern Munich. He highlighted the remarkable fact that France's squad includes three potential Ballon d'Or winners—Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise. ## Deschamps praises Olise's growth Didier Deschamps, who will conclude his 14-year tenure after the World Cup, commended Olise's significant progress since his 2024 international debut following his standout performance at the Paris Olympics. Deschamps described Olise as confident, decisive, and clinical while also contributing defensively. He emphasized the team's need for Olise to perform at his highest level during the tournament. ## France's attacking depth highlighted Olise's international goal drought initially lasted five matches, but his hat-trick against Northern Ireland elevated his tally to seven goals in 12 appearances. France's 26-man squad boasts additional attacking talent including Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, and Warren Zaire-Emery. Deschamps believes Olise will be crucial if France aims to claim a third World Cup title. ## Deschamps focuses on World Cup ahead Deschamps, who won the World Cup as both captain and manager, avoided emotional reflections on his final game on French soil. His focus remains solely on France's World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey, followed by group stage matches against Iraq and Norway featuring Erling Haaland. ## Emotional farewell for Deschamps A pre-match ceremony honored Deschamps, with his name repeatedly sung by home supporters. During the post-match lap of honor, former 2018 World Cup winners including Giroud and Raphael Varane took part. Deschamps acknowledged the outpouring of love and support, stating that while he appreciates the gestures, he remains focused on enjoying each moment as it comes. ## Mbappe's international struggles continue While Olise shone in Lille, Mbappe endured a frustrating evening as his pursuit of Giroud's France record at 57 goals remained unfulfilled. Despite his Real Madrid success with 42 goals in 44 club appearances, Mbappe has scored just once in his last four international matches. A goal was ruled out for offside following a Doue build-up, and he missed several clear chances as Olise overshadowed the headlines. ## Deschamps unconcerned about Mbappe's form When questioned about Mbappe's recent international form ahead of the World Cup, Deschamps dismissed concerns outright. He acknowledged Mbappe's missed opportunities but trusted the player's ability to deliver when it matters, stating Mbappe had assured him of saving that efficiency for the USA. Deschamps refused to engage with further speculation about Mbappe's form.