Michael Olise’s France heroics cannot yet put him level with Lamine Yamal

Despite scoring France’s winning goal against Belgium and becoming a key player for both Bayern Munich and the France national team, Michael Olise is still viewed in Spain as being behind Lamine Yamal.

That was the conclusion reached during a heated discussion on Spanish football programme El Larguero, after presenter Manu Carreno asked: “Which forward in the world does what Lamine does?”

Olise has started the season in the same impressive form he showed last year, and his importance to club and country has continued to grow. The Bayern Munich winger’s decisive contribution against Belgium also gave Zinedine Zidane his first victory as France manager.

Olise’s late winning goal prompted the debate over whether the 24-year-old has finally reached the level of Barcelona forward Yamal. beIN SPORTS shared footage of Zidane celebrating Olise’s goal on 28 September 2026.

‘Yamal has greater magic’

Raul Ruiz acknowledged Olise’s ability but said Yamal’s longer period at the top remained significant.

“He has a wonderful left foot and I think he is physically stronger than Lamine, but it is true that Lamine has been performing at that level for longer than Olise,” Ruiz said.

Carreno offered a similar assessment, suggesting Olise may have the edge in certain areas without possessing the same unique quality.

“Olise may be more skilful in some details, but he does not have the same magic as the Spain player,” he said.

Former Atletico Madrid forward Kiko Narvaez considered the comparison much closer, but identified creativity as the decisive difference.

“Olise plays behind the striker in very tight spaces, often with his back to goal. He creates chances and supplies passes, but he simply does not have Lamine’s creativity,” Narvaez said.

“That is why I put Lamine a few centimetres ahead.”

Jose Mari Bakero then highlighted an aspect of Yamal’s game that he felt was often undervalued: his ability to deliver in important matches.

“I think Lamine has what Olise lacks, which is the number of victories he has achieved. Alongside his exceptional talent, especially in tight spaces, he has won a lot,” Bakero said.

He also pointed to Yamal’s defensive contribution.

“There is another quality that has not been appreciated enough recently: his enormous defensive effort. If we compare him with Kylian Mbappe or any of the other forwards nominated for the Ballon d’Or, which of them works on the wing like Lamine?” he added.

Personality gives Yamal the edge

Rafa Alkorta concluded the discussion by emphasising Yamal’s character.

“I think Lamine’s personality makes him braver and more skilful than Olise. He seems more outstanding to me, although technically and in terms of dribbling, I think they are very close,” Alkorta said.

The El Larguero panel agreed that Olise is already a world-class player and an exceptional talent close to the highest level.

However, Yamal was judged to remain ahead because of his achievements, creativity in building attacks and, above all, his defensive work. While many forwards wait for the ball further forward, Yamal is prepared to drop back and help construct the move.