Just days after helping France finish fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise traded football’s biggest stage for a casual kickabout in New York City, leaving a group of amateur players stunned after unexpectedly joining their match.The France international had featured throughout the World Cup in North America, where Les Bleus narrowly missed out on the bronze medal after suffering a dramatic 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place play-off. Despite the disappointment, Olise appeared unwilling to stay away from football for long.Instead of immediately heading home following the tournament, the 24-year-old was spotted taking part in a recreational game organised through GoodRec, a platform that connects amateur footballers looking to play matches in cities across the world.Videos shared on social media quickly went viral, showing the Bayern star lining up alongside everyday players on a public pitch in New York.
Socks, oversized trousers and trademark quality
Perhaps the most unusual aspect of Olise’s appearance was not that he was playing in a public game, but how he was dressed.The Bayern attacker took to the field wearing socks instead of football boots and loose, chequered trousers that repeatedly slipped beneath his feet as he ran. Even so, flashes of his quality were immediately evident.One clip captured Olise cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot, one of his trademark moves, but an opponent managed to block the effort before it could find the far corner.For the players sharing the pitch with him, it was an experience few could have imagined.GoodRec later posted a group photograph featuring Olise standing among both teams, maintaining his typically reserved expression after the game.“He beats us even in socks,” the platform wrote on social media. “Thank you for coming to a GoodRec game in New York City!”The Bayern forward also posed for photographs with everyone involved, adding another memorable moment to an evening that had begun as nothing more than a routine amateur football match.
Strong World Cup despite missing out on a goal
Olise arrived in New York after an impressive World Cup campaign with France.Although he failed to score during the tournament, the creative winger played a crucial role in Didier Deschamps’ side, registering seven assists across eight appearances. His creativity made him one of the competition’s standout playmakers, even as France eventually finished fourth following their defeat to England in Miami.His performances also earned him a place in FIFA’s official Dream XI for the tournament, selected through fan voting, alongside the likes of Spain captain Rodri, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.
Real Madrid links continue
Olise’s World Cup performances have only intensified speculation surrounding his future.Reports in Germany have continued to link the French international with Real Madrid, while Sport Bild has claimed France captain Kylian Mbappé attempted during the World Cup to convince his international teammate that a move to the Santiago Bernabéu would be an attractive option.However, Bayern Munich have repeatedly insisted they have no intention of selling one of their most influential players this summer.
Bayern’s Michael Olise, right, talks to Bayern’s Harry Kane during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Sporting CP in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
According to reports in Germany, Real Madrid have since accepted that persuading Bayern to part with Olise during the current transfer window is highly unlikely.The French winger remains under contract with the Bundesliga champions until 2029.
Rapid rise in Munich
Since arriving from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024, Olise has developed into one of Europe’s most productive attacking players.Across all competitions last season, he produced an outstanding return of 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 appearances for Bayern, establishing himself as one of the club’s most important players.His spontaneous appearance on a public pitch in New York therefore came as a surprise to many, but it also reinforced the reputation Olise has built throughout his career—a footballer who simply enjoys playing the game, whether in front of tens of thousands at a World Cup or alongside local players on a community pitch just days after the tournament had ended.
