Michael Olise joins informal New York game days after World Cup as Real Madrid links continue

Michael Olise has been filmed taking part in an impromptu kickabout with amateur players on a New York pitch, just days after starring for France at the 2026 World Cup and amid strong speculation over a potential move to Real Madrid.

The Bayern Munich midfielder, who finished the tournament as the leading assist provider, stayed on in the United States for a short holiday after France’s exit, and ended up joining a casual “pick‐up game” with local football enthusiasts in the city.

Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show Olise blending into the match in regular sportswear rather than club or national-team kit, far removed from the atmosphere of major stadiums and global TV coverage he has grown used to.

Players on the pitch appeared visibly surprised as they realised they were sharing the field with one of the standout performers of the World Cup, while Olise looked relaxed and fully engaged in the game, treating it as if he were simply playing with friends.

At the final whistle, Olise posed for a group photograph with everyone who had taken part, an image that has since attracted significant attention online and been widely shared across various platforms.

World Cup form underlines rising profile

Olise’s low-key appearance in New York follows a highly impressive World Cup campaign with France, in which he underlined his status as one of the tournament’s leading creative players.

The Bayern Munich man ended the competition as the top assist provider, registering seven assists at the 2026 World Cup. His passing and chance creation were especially influential during France’s progress through the early rounds.

France’s run ultimately came to an end in the semi-finals, where they were beaten 2-0 by Spain, ending Olise’s hopes of lifting the trophy but not diminishing his reputation after a breakthrough campaign on the global stage.

After the defeat, Olise opted to spend a few extra days in the United States before linking back up with Bayern Munich for pre-season preparations, but his decision to join a local game highlighted how reluctant he is to step away from football even during time off.

Transfer speculation over Real Madrid move

Olise’s appearance in such an informal setting comes at a time when his club future is the subject of intense debate.

Reports have suggested that Real Madrid are strongly interested in signing the French international in a major deal during the current summer transfer window. The prospective move has been widely discussed in European media, reflecting Olise’s elevated standing after his World Cup displays.

However, despite the volume of speculation, there has been no confirmation from any reliable source that an agreement has been reached or that a transfer is imminent.

For now, Olise remains a Bayern Munich player, preparing to return to the club following his post-tournament break, while his casual kickabout in New York provides a contrasting snapshot of a footballer who, despite a soaring profile, appears eager to hold on to the simplest form of the game: playing purely for enjoyment, even alongside people he has never met before.