Michael Olise one free-kick away from breaking Zinedine Zidane’s France record

Michael Olise moved closer to a historic France record after scoring his second international free-kick in the 1-1 draw with Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

The Bayern Munich forward gave France the lead in the 55th minute at Stade de France on Friday, curling a superb effort from outside the penalty area beyond Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The goal was Olise’s second from a direct free-kick for France. His first came against Croatia on 23 March 2025 in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League.

According to statistics provider Opta, Olise is one of only three France players to have scored at least two free-kicks for the national team since the beginning of 2000. The other two are Zinedine Zidane and Dimitri Payet, who have also scored twice.

Zidane was the first player to achieve the feat during that period, despite ending his playing career in 2006. Payet later matched the former France captain’s total, establishing a reputation for his ability from set pieces.

Another successful free-kick would take Olise to three goals from such situations for France since 2000. That would make him the first player to reach that figure and would move him beyond Zidane and Payet in the modern statistical record.

Olise has continued to make a strong impression for France under Zidane. He also scored the winning goal against Belgium in the second round of the Nations League group stage, producing an individual piece of skill before finishing the move.

However, his latest strike was not enough to secure victory against Italy. France and Italy ended the contest level at Stade de France, leaving the two sides with a point from the third round of the group stage.