Michael Olise raises value after France’s triumph over Northern Ireland. Michael Olise scored a hat-trick in France’s friendly match against Northern Ireland. His transfer value could now exceed 150 million euros. Mbappé missed his chances, while Deschamps’ lineup once again raised questions.
Michael Olise became the main protagonist of France’s last warm-up match before the World Cup. His three goals against Northern Ireland not only secured victory for the team but also sharply increased interest in the player from leading European clubs. According to Spanish media, Olise’s possible transfer fee could exceed 150 million euros — one of the highest figures on the market in 2026.
The meeting with Northern Ireland became a sort of test for France’s lineup. Didier Deschamps put almost all key players on the field, but even with such a squad, the team did not look cohesive. Mbappé, who is traditionally relied upon in attack, was unable to take advantage of any of his opportunities this time. His only goal was canceled, and the other chances came to nothing.
Against the backdrop of Mbappé’s disappointing performance, it was Olise who took on the role of leader. He scored his first goal just before halftime, the second right after play resumed, and his third was the highlight of the evening: a precise shot from outside the penalty area that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Northern Ireland managed to cut the deficit to a minimum, but the French attack quickly regained control of the situation.
In Deschamps' tactical setup, he once again relied on Dembélé as a link between midfield and attack. However, analysts note that the absence of Vitinha from the lineup affected the team's balance. Cherki was left out of the squad, and the competition for a starting spot continues between him and Doué. Despite their abundance of stars, France still faces the challenge of team cohesion—individual skill does not always make up for a lack of strong teamwork.
Warm-up matches before major tournaments often become a stage for unexpected discoveries. For example, in the recent UEFA U-17 European Championship, Spain's U-17 team fought for a place in the semifinals, drawing attention to young talents and their role in national teams. You can read more about how the Spanish side tackled their group stage challenge in the article about Spain U-17’s battle for a spot in the Euro semifinals.
France approaches the World Cup with a strong individual lineup but without a clear team advantage. Olise, who plays for Bayern, has become the new symbol of the team’s attacking potential. At the same time, a lack of consistency in collective actions could pose a problem for the French over the course of a long tournament. As of 2026, transfer fees for leading players continue to rise, and interest in young stars keeps growing. It is important to note that even with big-name players, success at major tournaments requires not only individual skill but also coordinated team play.
