Michael Olise stars off bench as France crush Belgium 4-1 in Nations League
Michael Olise came off the bench to score twice and set up another as France overturned an early setback to beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France, tightening their grip on top spot in their Nations League group.
Dodi Lukebakio had given Belgium the lead and France struggled to find openings during a difficult first half against a compact visiting defence. Zinedine Zidane introduced Olise for Ousmane Dembele on 60 minutes, and the Bayern Munich winger changed the match within 10 minutes, driving a late French surge alongside Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki.
The 24-year-old’s impact prompted home supporters to chant “Olise, Ballon d’Or”, a tribute previously aimed at Dembele before his 2025 Ballon d’Or success. Olise, however, was unwilling to entertain the personal acclaim, replying, “I have nothing to say,” when questioned about the chants before leaving the pitch.
Instead, he stressed France’s collective response after an awkward opening hour. Olise said the side finished strongly after finding the first half difficult, particularly against Belgium’s low defensive block, and praised the team for continuing to push until the spaces finally appeared.
Olise backs Zidane’s approach
Olise now has four goals and two assists across his first four France appearances since Zidane became head coach. He said the squad has embraced the manager’s instructions and believes the recent run shows the progress being made.
“Zinedine Zidane brings ideas and we follow them,” Olise said, adding that France had performed well over the four matches and wanted to maintain that level. He also described representing the national side as a pleasure, pointing to the depth of quality available in the squad.
France remain first in the group, but Italy’s latest win means quarter-final qualification is not yet secured. The decisive November window will send Zidane’s side to Italy before they complete the group stage at home to Turkiye.
