Every so often a player emerges whose career path raises as many questions as his talent answers. Michael Olise, the London-born winger who chose France over England and swapped Crystal Palace for Bayern Munich, is one of those cases. This profile unpacks his background, the transfer numbers, and the international decision that still surprises fans.
Full Name: Michael Akpovie Olise · Born: 12 December 2001 (age 24) · Current Club: Bayern Munich · Transfer Fee: €50 million · Market Value: €80 million (estimated) · Nationality: France
Quick snapshot
- Born in London to a Nigerian father and French mother (FFF – official French federation).
- Transferred from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich in July 2024 (FC Bayern official announcement).
- Senior debut for France on 6 September 2024 (FFF – official French federation).
- Exact weekly wage at Bayern Munich (reports range from £100k to £200k — not officially confirmed).
- Religion (not publicly stated).
- Current relationship status (no official confirmation).
- July 2024: Five-year contract with Bayern Munich until 2029 (FC Bayern official announcement).
- September 2024: First senior France cap against Italy (FFF – official French federation).
- Olise is expected to become a regular starter for both Bayern and France in the 2025/26 season.
The pattern across Olise’s journey: he blends English upbringing with French heritage and Nigerian roots — a mix that shaped his career decisions.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Michael Akpovie Olise |
| Born | 12 December 2001 (age 24), London, England |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Nationality | France |
| Current club | Bayern Munich |
| Position | Midfielder (right winger) |
| Transfer fee | €50 million (2024) |
| Market value | €80 million (estimated) |
The implication: Olise’s market value already exceeds his transfer fee by €30 million, reflecting rapid appreciation since moving to the Bundesliga.
Where are Michael Olise’s parents from?
Who is Michael Olise’s father?
Michael Olise’s father, Michael Olise Sr., is a former professional footballer from Nigeria. His mother is of French descent. This dual heritage was confirmed by the FFF – official French federation, which lists his birthplace as London and his nationality as French.
Is Michael Olise half English?
Yes, Olise is half English by birth — he was born and raised in London. However, he holds French nationality through his mother and is also eligible for Nigeria through his father. He speaks English fluently, as shown in interviews.
Why does Michael Olise play for France instead of England?
Why did Olise choose France over England?
Olise has said that his mother is French and he grew up speaking French at home. He played for French youth teams before making his senior debut for France on 6 September 2024, as recorded by the FFF – official French federation. The decision likely also reflected a clearer path to the senior squad compared to England’s deep attacking pool.
Can Michael Olise speak English?
Yes, Olise speaks English fluently. He was born in London and attended school in England, and his interviews with English media show no accent barrier.
By choosing France, Olise sacrificed a shot at the England senior team — but gained immediate senior caps and a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
How much did Crystal Palace sell Michael Olise for?
How much is Olise worth?
Bayern Munich paid an initial fee of around €50 million, with reports from BBC Sport (UK broadcaster) and Sky Sports (UK sports network) suggesting the total package could reach €60 million with add-ons. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value at around €80 million.
How much does Olise earn a week?
Olise’s exact weekly wage at Bayern Munich has not been officially disclosed. Reports vary from £100,000 to £200,000 per week, but no club or player confirmation exists.
Crystal Palace turned a £8 million purchase into a €50+ million sale — one of the most profitable exits in the club’s history.
Was Michael Olise ever at Chelsea?
Yes, Olise spent six years in Chelsea’s youth academy, from age 8 to 14. He was released at 14 and later joined Reading’s academy. He never made a senior appearance for Chelsea. The Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) notes that his youth career includes Chelsea and Reading.
Is Olise a good player?
Olise is widely regarded as one of the most promising young wingers in Europe. He won the EFL Young Player of the Year award in 2020–21 and was named Crystal Palace Player of the Year for 2022–23. In 64 Premier League appearances for Palace, he scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists, according to the Wikipedia (community encyclopedia). His playing style — left-footed, creative, strong in 1v1 situations — makes him a threat on the right wing.
Timeline
- 12 Dec 2001: Born in London, England.
- 2008–2014: Chelsea youth academy.
- 2016–2019: Reading youth academy.
- 2019–2021: Senior debut for Reading (14 appearances, 2 goals).
- Jul 2021: Transferred to Crystal Palace for £8 million.
- 2021–2024: Crystal Palace (64 appearances, 10 goals, 15 assists).
- Jul 2024: Signed for Bayern Munich for €50 million (five-year contract).
- 6 Sep 2024: Senior international debut for France.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Born in London to Nigerian father and French mother.
- Transferred from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich for €50 million (plus add-ons).
- Speaks English and French.
- Played for Chelsea youth academy.
- Represents France internationally.
- Senior debut for France on 6 September 2024.
What’s unclear
- Exact weekly wage at Bayern Munich (reports vary from £100k to £200k).
- Religion (not publicly stated).
- Current relationship status (no official confirmation).
What others say
“My mother is French, and I grew up speaking French at home.”
— Michael Olise, on his decision to represent France
“He is one of the most naturally gifted players I’ve ever seen.”
— Former Crystal Palace teammate (anonymous)
“Michael is a player with enormous potential and technical ability.”
— Bayern Munich official statement, July 2024
Olise’s story is still being written. The transfer fee and early France caps suggest a player who has already made the hard calls. For English fans wondering what might have been, the regret is real — but for Bayern and France, the gain is immediate.
Related reading: Why Trent Alexander-Arnold Left Liverpool for Real Madrid · Jadon Sancho: Free Agent, Next Club, Salary Stats and More
nytimes.com, goal.com, fr.wikipedia.org, dailymail.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, espn.com, theanalyst.com
Frequently asked questions
What position does Michael Olise play?
He plays as a winger or attacking midfielder, primarily on the right wing.
What is Michael Olise’s religion?
His religion has not been publicly confirmed.
Is Michael Olise married?
No official confirmation of any marriage or public partner.
What is Michael Olise’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram handle is @michaelolise.
How many goals has Olise scored for Crystal Palace?
He scored 10 goals in 64 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace.
Does Michael Olise have children?
No public information about children.
What is Michael Olise’s net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly known, but his Bayern Munich contract and transfer fee suggest a multi-million euro valuation.
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Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.