General · 9 July 2026
France star Michael Olise chose France over England for international football
Michael Olise, born and raised in England, now represents France because they contacted him first for their under-18s team. England was focused on players from bigger academies and did not approach him as a teenager, despite his British-Nigerian and French-Algerian roots. France was aware of his connections and Olise felt happy staying with them, even when England later showed interest.
Reported by The Irish Times · How we write briefs