Michael Olise: France star winger whose father played for Nigeria

French football star Michael Olise has revealed that his father once played cricket for Nigeria, a career that could have influenced his own sporting path if he had not chosen football.

The Bayern Munich winger, who represented France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, said his father, Vincent Olise, was a former Nigerian national cricket player.

Michael, 24, was born in France to a Nigerian father and an Algerian mother but grew up in England. Because of his background, he was eligible to play international football for Nigeria, France, England or Algeria.

Nigeria was the first country to invite him to join its national team in 2020 during the time of former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr. However, Olise later chose to represent France.

Vincent Olise, now 66, enjoyed a successful cricket career in Nigeria before moving abroad. He played for Lagos State, Foundations Cricket Club and the Nigerian national team.

According to him, one of the highlights of his cricket career came during a match against Gambia in the West African Quadrangular Tournament, where he took 10 wickets in a single innings, equalling a record set by the late Chris Enahoro.

He also recalled a disappointing moment while representing the University of Ife when the team lost the 1984 NUGA Games cricket final to the University of Lagos.

Apart from cricket, Vincent was also passionate about badminton and excelled in the sport.

He represented Nigeria between 1983 and 1993 before later playing for British West Indian Cricket Club and London Nigerians Cricket Club in England. He began his career as an opening batter and specialist fielder before becoming a bowler.

Michael Olise has spoken openly about his love for cricket, which he says came from his father.

In an interview with FCBinside, he listed cricket and table tennis as his favourite activities outside football.

“My father was a national cricket player for Nigeria,” Olise said.

Meanwhile, reports in England suggest that Olise is interested in joining Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The winger recently featured for France in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain in Texas before being substituted in the second half.

Reports claim that Olise sees Real Madrid as the ideal club for the next stage of his career. However, Bayern Munich are said to be unwilling to sell him and are instead planning to offer him a new contract.

Real Madrid have previously denied reports linking them with the player, insisting they have not held any talks with Olise or his representatives.

For now, Olise remains a Bayern Munich player, but speculation over his future continues to grow following his impressive performances for both club and country.