Zinedine Zidane Praises Michael Olise After Late Winner Secures France's Victory Over Belgium

During the UEFA Nations League clash in Brussels, Zinedine Zidane expressed admiration for Michael Olise after the Bayern Munich winger’s solo effort clinched a 1-0 victory for France over Belgium. The late goal helped France keep their flawless record under their new manager.

Olise’s Moment of Brilliance at King Baudouin Stadium

The match was tightly contested, but the breakthrough came in the 88th minute thanks to Olise. Picking up the ball deep in his own half, the former Crystal Palace player controlled it with a shoulder touch and launched into an unstoppable run, leaving Belgium’s defenders behind. After shaking off his marker, he calmly placed a low shot into the bottom corner, sealing the win and sparking wild celebrations from Zidane on the sidelines.

Even without injured star Kylian Mbappe, France dominated possession but struggled to break down Mark van Bommel’s disciplined defence until Olise’s decisive intervention changed the game.

Zidane Praises Olise’s Talent and Game Sense

Coming on as a substitute for Bradley Barcola in the 77th minute, Olise made a remarkable impact. After the final whistle, Zidane openly admired the 24-year-old’s skill and football intelligence. It’s clear Zidane sees something special as he continues rebuilding the national squad following Didier Deschamps’ departure earlier this year.

"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 is an extraordinary talent. I love this type of player. When he plays, he wants to entertain the fans. But it doesn’t stop there. He has a great sense of the game, he anticipates the opponent’s movements, and he knows when to attack and when to drop back," Zidane said.

France’s Dominance Despite Missed Opportunities

France created plenty of chances, registering 18 shots compared to Belgium’s 12. Desire Doue was lively in attack, hitting the woodwork and attempting five shots. Debutant Lucas da Cunha also came close when his shot rattled the post. The French youngsters showed promise stepping up without their captain Mbappe.

Belgium, coached by Mark van Bommel, proved tough opposition. They relied on fast breaks from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio, forcing several saves from Mike Maignan. Their defence held firm for much of the match but eventually gave way to Olise’s direct and powerful run.

Upcoming Fixtures and Outlook

France now prepare for a major showdown against Italy on Friday, aiming to extend their winning streak and strengthen their lead in the group. Meanwhile, Belgium will travel to Turkey seeking to revive their campaign.

• UEFA Nations League A
• France (FRA) vs Italy (ITA): 2 Oct 2026, 21:45
• Belgium (BEL) vs Turkey (TUR): 2 Oct 2026, 21:45