A Stunning Display From the Crystal Palace Star
Michael Olise continues to rewrite the record books for France. The Crystal Palace winger scored a brilliant hat-trick in their 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, a final World Cup warm-up that showcased both the depth of French attacking talent and the emergence of a new superstar.
Olise, in devastating form since making his international debut, now has seven goals in just 17 appearances for Les Bleus. To put that achievement into perspective, it matches the total goal tally of Ousmane Dembele, who has 59 caps since 2016.
Historical Significance
Olise hat-trick is the first by a France player since Kylian Mbappe hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. The feat also marks the most prolific start to a France career since the 1990s, underlining the extraordinary impact he has made since committing his international future to Les Bleus.
The 24-year-old has now scored in consecutive appearances for France, establishing himself as one of the first names on Didier Deschamps teamsheet. His versatility across the attacking line gives the France manager tactical flexibility that could prove decisive in the knockout stages.
A Contrasting Evening for the Established Stars
While Olise stole the headlines, the match was a frustrating evening for both Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. The Ballon d Or winner Dembele has not scored for France since March 2025 and endured another quiet night, while Mbappe was well marshalled by a disciplined Northern Irish defense that crowded him out whenever he received the ball in dangerous areas.
The contrasting performances highlight a changing of the guard in the France attack. While Mbappe remains the captain and talisman, Olise emergence provides an additional dimension that could prove crucial when France face deep-defending opponents in the World Cup.
Perfect Timing Ahead of the World Cup
For Deschamps, Olise form could not have come at a better time. France enter the tournament as defending champions and will need every weapon at their disposal to overcome the intense competition from Brazil, Argentina, England, and host nation USA.
The emergence of Olise as a genuine match-winner gives Deschamps a selection headache of the best kind. With the attacking riches at his disposal, he must now decide how best to deploy Olise alongside the established stars. One thing is certain: after this performance, leaving him out of the starting eleven will be very difficult to justify.
