Michael Olise Shines with Hat-Trick and Neymar's Gesture
Michael Olise walked off the Allianz Arena pitch with a hat-trick, two assists and a 7-0 scoreline behind him. Somehow, that still wasn’t the full story of his night.
The Bayern Munich winger had already secured the traditional spoils. The match ball tucked under his arm after three goals. The man-of-the-match award a formality after he tore Union Berlin apart and laid on two more. It was the kind of performance that turns a big club’s stadium into a personal stage.
Then came the surprise.
As Olise made his way through the mixed zone, a third prize appeared: a Neymar shirt, personally dedicated to him. Journalist Isabela Pagliari had brought it on the Brazilian’s behalf during her visit to the Allianz Arena, a gesture that hit a little deeper than the usual post-match pleasantries.
There was a clear reason. Olise has openly named Neymar, alongside Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane, as one of his idols. Neymar, who lit up Paris Saint-Germain at his peak and is now winding down his career at hometown club Santos FC, had taken notice of the Frenchman who grew up watching him. On this evidence, the admiration is starting to feel mutual.
A season catching fire
Right now, Olise is in full flight. The demolition of Union Berlin was only his seventh competitive game of the season, yet it was already the fourth time he has been voted best player on the pitch. His numbers are outrageous: 11 goal involvements so far, averaging one every 51 minutes.
This is not a slow burn. It’s an explosion.
Harry Kane, who benefits directly from Olise’s creativity and chaos, didn’t bother hiding his delight.
"I really enjoy playing with Michael, and I also like him a lot as a person. Not everyone gets to see his true personality, but he is a great character. He is completely different from how he comes across to outsiders," said the Bayern striker.
Those outsiders mostly see the quiet version. Olise is known for shunning the spotlight whenever he can. Even after a five-goal contribution in a 7-0 rout, he turned down a television interview with Sky. No victory lap, no long monologue.
"That is what I am here for," joked Jamal Musiala with a smile as he stepped in to speak instead, a small glimpse into the dressing-room dynamic behind Bayern’s attacking fireworks.
From idol to peers?
Inside the club, the conversation around Olise is moving quickly. Board member for sport Max Eberl did not hesitate to place him among the game’s elite when asked about his status.
"For me, Michael Olise is also one of the candidates for the Ballon d'Or. He is one of the best players in the world," Eberl declared.
That puts Olise’s name in heavyweight company. Alongside Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri, he is being mentioned as part of the group expected to contest the biggest individual prizes.
A few years ago, Olise was watching Neymar, Messi and Zidane and calling them idols. Now he is walking through the Allianz Arena with a match ball, a man-of-the-match trophy and a signed shirt from one of them, while his own name is pushed into the Ballon d'Or debate.
If this is only the start of his Bayern story, how far can he take it?
