Bayern Munich back Michael Olise to win Ballon dOr as future talks loom

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen believes Michael Olise has the ability to win the Ballon d'Or, as the club prepares to discuss the France international’s future.

Olise, 24, finished ninth in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings, eight places behind Bayern team-mate Harry Kane, who won the award.

The winger was named Bayern's Player of the Season for the second successive campaign after an outstanding year in which he made 57 appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 28 assists.

Although Olise and Kane won the same trophies with Bayern, the former Crystal Palace player finished significantly lower in the voting than the England captain. To challenge for the game’s biggest individual prize, Olise may need to produce even more impressive numbers and achieve success with France.

Dreesen was asked this week whether he believed Olise could eventually claim the Ballon d'Or. The Bayern chief executive said there was no reason to rule out that possibility, while stressing the importance of the team around the player.

“There is no need to discuss whether Michael is a gifted footballer - he most certainly is,” Dreesen said.

“If someone asked me today whether he would win the Ballon d'Or one day, my answer would always be: I don't see why not. Of course, he also needs a team that functions well around him. He has that here with us, and he appreciates it.”

Olise’s current Bayern contract runs until 2029, but Dreesen’s comments indicate the club wants to keep him beyond the length of his existing agreement. Interest from Real Madrid is also increasing.

“We want Michael to play for us for as long as possible,” Dreesen added. “When the time is right, we will discuss the future with him.”

Olise joined Bayern after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most productive attacking players at Crystal Palace. His form in Germany has continued to improve, with his contribution in front of goal helping him secure the club’s player-of-the-season award for a second consecutive year.

His next opportunity to influence Bayern’s campaign comes on Wednesday evening, when they host Magdeburg in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.

Olise will hope to deliver another strong performance as Bayern attempt to move closer to another trophy.