Zidane hails Olise after France heroics against Belgium in Nations League

France coach Zinedine Zidane has praised Michael Olise after the Bayern Munich forward scored the late winner in the 1-0 Nations League victory over Belgium.

Olise came off the bench in the 77th minute before producing the decisive moment 11 minutes later, giving France their second consecutive victory in the competition.

The result moved Zidane’s side to six points at the top of the group, while Belgium remained on three points after suffering their first defeat.

‘He’s a phenomenal talent’

Olise received the ball from Rayan Cherki in the 88th minute, drove past a Belgian defender and found the net with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The goal prompted an emotional celebration from Zidane, who revealed after the match that he immediately believed the forward would score when he saw him take on his marker.

“I saw him dribble past a defender, and I said to myself: ‘He’s going to score.’ I was cheering him on with all my heart. He’s a phenomenal talent. I love this type of player.”

Zidane also highlighted Olise’s ability to combine creativity with tactical awareness.

“When he plays, he wants to entertain the fans. But it’s not just about that. He has a high sense of the game; he anticipates the opponent’s movements and knows when to attack and when to retreat.”

Olise makes decisive impact

Olise’s introduction was part of a series of attacking changes made by Zidane as France searched for a breakthrough.

Ousmane Dembele entered in the 68th minute before Olise and Cherki were brought on nine minutes later.

The changes eventually proved decisive, with Olise providing the moment that settled a closely contested encounter.

France had also been denied by the woodwork earlier in the match, but eventually found the breakthrough through the Bayern forward.

France maintain perfect start

The victory leaves France top of their group with six points from two matches.

Belgium, coached by Mark Van Bommel, remain on three points and sit third behind Italy on goal difference.

Zidane took charge of France after Didier Deschamps left the position following the 2026 World Cup, with the former France midfielder now overseeing the team’s early Nations League campaign.