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Why Michael Olise chose to play for France not England
Published 09:53 29 Apr 2026 BST
Updated 10:49 29 Apr 2026 BST
Homesport
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Michael Olise is quickly establishing himself as a superstar. From the Championship of Reading to the Champions League of Bayern Munich, the France international has now bagged in back-to-back matches in the coveted tournament where the world of football is watching, against the mighty Real Madrid and the reigning champions Paris Saint Germain.
With the World Cup on the horizon and Olise English-born, you may naturally hope for a split second whether he can represent the Three Lions. But the fact of the matter is that he chose his nation way-back-when, picking France U18s, in 2019, when he commenced on his professional pathway.
So being born in the capital city of England, why France? Well his reason roots back to a press-conference in September 2024, after Didier Deschamps called him up for his first senior appearance in the Nations League.
His mother is French, and when asked on his reasoning for picking Les Blues, his response was direct in Olise fashion: “I have always had a connection with the France national team, that is why I play for France.”
Fast forward to present day, Olise has 15 caps and four national goals under his belt, with a World Cup undoubtedly on the horizon considering his stellar form. He will go right to the very top.
