As the 2026 World Cup draws near, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise has disclosed his picks for the best players from several powerhouse nations, offering a fresh perspective on the tournament’s standout talents. In a recent Instagram interaction with FC Bayern Esports, the French international shared his choices, sparking debate among fans.
Olise, who is set to represent France after a stellar season with Bayern, highlighted England’s Harry Kane and Germany’s Joshua Kimmich as their respective country’s finest, both of whom are his club teammates. For Spain, he selected the rising star Lamine Yamal, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi earned his nod as the reigning champions’ top player.
However, when it came to Portugal, Olise bypassed the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, opting instead for Bruno Fernandes. This decision reflects Ronaldo’s declining influence at the international level, as Fernandes has become Portugal’s creative hub. Olise admitted uncertainty regarding Brazil’s best player, simply responding, “I don’t know.”
Messi and Ronaldo are both preparing for what could be their final World Cup appearances, with Argentina aiming to defend their title and Portugal seeking to dethrone them. Olise, coming off an impressive campaign with 22 goals and 31 assists, hopes to make his own mark in the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.