Michael Olise scores landmark free-kick as France honour Zinedine Zidane

Michael Olise marked Zinedine Zidane’s emotional return to the Stade de France by scoring a superb free-kick in France’s meeting with Italy.

The France forward produced a memorable moment during a match that had already been shaped by a historic reception for one of the country’s greatest players. Zidane was given a rapturous welcome by supporters before kick-off as he returned to the national stadium.

Olise doubled the significance of the occasion with a powerful left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area. His effort struck the crossbar before finding the net, taking his international tally for France to nine goals.

The goal also revived one of Olise’s most effective weapons in a France shirt. It was his first direct free-kick for the national team since the Nations League quarter-final against Croatia on 23 March 2025.

That meant Olise had gone 558 days without scoring from a direct free-kick for France. The 24-year-old’s latest effort therefore gave him a personal landmark on a night dominated by memories of Zidane.

Zidane’s return to the Stade de France brought back memories of his outstanding years with Les Bleus. The former France star was welcomed by the crowd after a long absence from the pitch where he enjoyed some of the defining moments of his career.

Olise’s goal connected that past with the present, allowing him to create a new celebration for his coach while beginning his own journey with the France national team. His strike gave Zidane another moment to enjoy on an occasion already dedicated to the former midfielder.

A video published by beIN SPORTS showed Olise’s effort beating the goalkeeper after clipping the crossbar and settling in the net. The post was dated 2 October 2026.