Luis Figo backs Michael Olise as future Ballon d’Or contender

Michael Olise’s rise at Bayern Munich has caught the eye of one of football’s greats, with Real Madrid legend Luis Figo hailing the winger’s “incredible quality” and tipping him for the very top.

Speaking to AS, Figo praised Olise’s recent displays for Bayern and suggested his trajectory could make him a genuine contender for the game’s biggest individual honour.

“He played a great game. He has incredible quality. I love him as a player,” Figo said, before adding: “If he continues his projection, he will always be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”

Figo also admitted he can see Olise thriving at the very highest level, including at his former club. “Could he play for Real Madrid? He has the quality to play in any team in the world, be it Madrid or another,” he said.

Olise’s numbers this season underline that praise. The Bayern star has produced 12 goals and 20 assists in just 27 Bundesliga matches, and 17 goals plus 29 assists in 42 games across all competitions, contributing directly to 46 goals for the German champions.