When Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich kick off their UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, all eyes will be on one player: Michael Olise. The 24-year-old winger has transformed from a promising talent into one of Europe’s most electrifying performers this season, and his journey to this moment tells the story of a player on the cusp of greatness.

Olise’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After breaking through at Reading in England’s Championship, he made a high-profile move to Crystal Palace in the Premier League in 2021. But it was his €60 million transfer to Bayern Munich last summer that truly announced him to the continent. Now, with the French national team calling him up for the first time ahead of Euro 2026, Olise is no longer just a prospect—he’s a star.

The Numbers Behind the Hype

Olise’s impact at Bayern has been immediate and undeniable. In the 2025/26 Champions League campaign, he has:

• Scored 5 goals in 8 appearances, including a brace against Arsenal in the quarterfinals.
• Provided 4 assists, tying him for the tournament lead among midfielders.
• Completed 89% of his dribbles, the highest rate of any player with 30+ attempted in the competition.
• Created 22 chances, second only to Bayern teammate Jamal Musiala.

His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus recently told kicker, « Olise has the creativity of a young Messi and the physicality of a prime Robben. He can become the best player in the world. »

From Reading to the Champions League: Olise’s Unlikely Path

Born in London to Nigerian and French parents, Olise’s footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Chelsea before a move to Reading at 16. He made his professional debut for the Championship side at just 17, becoming one of the youngest players in the league’s history to score a goal. His performances earned him a call-up to the England U21 squad, but he ultimately chose to represent France at the senior level, making his debut in March 2026.

His time at Crystal Palace was marked by flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency and injuries limited his impact. That changed when Bayern Munich came calling in the summer of 2025. Under manager Vincent Kompany, Olise has been given the freedom to roam, cutting inside from the right wing to devastating effect. His ability to combine speed, technique, and vision has made him a nightmare for defenders.

What Makes Olise So Special?

Olise’s game is built on three key strengths:

1. Dribbling: His close control and quick feet allow him to navigate tight spaces, drawing fouls and creating opportunities for his teammates.
2. Passing: Olise’s vision and range of passing are elite. He averages 2.1 key passes per game in the Champions League, a figure that puts him in the top 5% of attacking midfielders in Europe’s top leagues.
3. Finishing: While not a natural poacher, Olise has improved his shot selection and conversion rate this season, scoring 12 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions for Bayern.

« He sees passes that other players don’t even consider, » Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich said after Olise’s man-of-the-match performance against Real Madrid in the round of 16. « And when he’s in full flow, there’s no stopping him. »

The PSG vs. Bayern Showdown: What to Watch

The first leg of the Champions League semifinal (8:00 PM CET / 6:00 PM UTC) will be Olise’s biggest test yet. PSG’s defense, led by Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi, will glance to contain him, but Olise’s ability to drift inside and combine with Musiala and Harry Kane could prove decisive.

For France, Olise’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time. With Kylian Mbappé aging and Antoine Griezmann nearing the complete of his international career, Olise represents the future of Les Bleus. His performances in the Champions League have put him in contention for a starting role at Euro 2026, where France will be among the favorites to win the tournament on home soil.

Key Matchups to Watch

What’s Next for Olise?

If Bayern advance to the final, Olise will have a chance to cement his status as one of the world’s best. A strong performance against PSG could also secure his place in France’s starting XI for Euro 2026, where he would be expected to play a central role in Didier Deschamps’ attack.

For now, though, all eyes are on Tuesday’s clash at the Parc des Princes. With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Olise has the opportunity to deliver a performance that will silence any remaining doubters—and announce himself as the next superstar of European football.

How to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on:

• Europe: TNT Sports (UK), DAZN (Germany), Canal+ (France)
• United States: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
• Global: UEFA.tv (official stream)

Kickoff: 8:00 PM CET (Paris) / 2:00 PM ET (New York) / 7:00 PM UTC

Key Takeaways

• Michael Olise has been Bayern Munich’s standout performer in the 2025/26 Champions League, with 5 goals and 4 assists in 8 appearances.
• His dribbling (89% success rate) and creativity (22 chances created) make him one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.
• Olise’s performances have earned him a call-up to the French national team ahead of Euro 2026.
• The first leg of the Champions League semifinal against PSG will be his biggest test yet.
• A strong showing could secure his place in France’s starting XI for the European Championship.