Real Madrid legend Claude Makelele has thrown his support behind a potential move for France international Michael Olise, revealing that he personally advised club president Florentino Pérez to pursue the Bayern Munich winger. The former midfield enforcer believes Olise possesses the rare talent capable of transforming matches in the same way football icons have done throughout history.
Speaking in an interview with Marca while serving as a ComeOn ambassador during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Makelele explained that if Real Madrid were to invest heavily in only one player, his recommendation would be the 24-year-old French winger.
The comments come as Olise continues to enhance his reputation on the international stage with France, helping Les Bleus reach the semi-finals of the World Cup while attracting admiration from some of the biggest names in football.
Makelele, who enjoyed a successful spell at the Santiago Bernabéu before becoming a Chelsea legend, believes Olise possesses qualities that modern football desperately needs.
According to the former France midfielder, the Bayern Munich star combines creativity, intelligence, technical brilliance and unpredictability in ways that few players in world football can replicate.
“I had the opportunity to speak with President Florentino Pérez and I told him that if there is money to spend on one player, it should be Michael Olise,” Makelele revealed.
“He is the type of footballer who reminds people why they fell in love with the game. He plays with imagination, freedom and confidence. Whenever he is missing from the team, you immediately notice his absence because he brings something different.”
The former midfielder went even further by comparing Olise’s ability to influence matches with that of Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
While stopping short of suggesting the Frenchman has reached Messi’s legendary status, Makelele argued that Olise possesses the same capacity to produce moments of magic that completely change the direction of a match.
“When Michael is in top form, you always feel something special can happen,” Makelele explained.
“Like Lionel Messi during his best years, Olise has the vision to see passes and spaces that most players cannot even imagine. Footballers such as Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola understand his quality because they know he can create opportunities that others simply do not see.”
He added that this type of football is what excites supporters around the world.
“It is football that entertains people and makes fans dream. Even commentators are surprised by some of the things he does during matches. That is what makes him exceptional.”
Olise has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past few seasons.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, the versatile attacker represented several youth international teams before committing his senior international future to France.
He first gained widespread recognition during his breakthrough years at Reading before earning a move to Crystal Palace, where his outstanding performances in the Premier League established him as one of England’s most exciting young wingers.
His creativity, set-piece quality and exceptional dribbling ability attracted interest from several European giants before Bayern Munich secured his signature.
Since arriving in Germany, Olise has continued his impressive development, quickly adapting to the Bundesliga and becoming one of Bayern’s most influential attacking players.
His performances have translated seamlessly onto the international stage.
Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Olise has been one of France’s most dangerous attacking weapons, combining effectively with Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola as Didier Deschamps’ side advanced to the final four.
His pace, close control, intelligent movement and ability to unlock stubborn defences have made him a key figure in France’s pursuit of another World Cup title.
Despite praising Olise so highly, Makelele refused to compare him directly with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Instead, the former defensive midfielder insisted every great footballer deserves to build an individual legacy without unnecessary comparisons.
“People always want to compare players,” he said.
“I prefer to let them write their own stories. Jude Bellingham is exceptional, and Michael Olise is exceptional in his own way. Football has always produced different generations of great players.”
He also referenced legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane, explaining that each icon transformed football differently without diminishing the achievements of those who came before or after them.
According to Makelele, Olise should be appreciated for the unique qualities he brings rather than measured against other modern stars.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Olise’s future continues despite his recent move to Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid have consistently monitored some of Europe’s most gifted young attacking players as part of their long-term recruitment strategy, and Makelele’s endorsement will only intensify discussion among supporters about whether Los Blancos should eventually attempt to bring the French international to the Santiago Bernabéu.
For now, however, Olise remains fully focused on international duty.
France are preparing for a crucial FIFA World Cup semi-final against Spain at Dallas Stadium, where victory would secure a place in Sunday’s final.
With the tournament entering its decisive stage, Olise has another opportunity to demonstrate why respected figures such as Claude Makelele believe he belongs among football’s elite talents.
Whether or not Real Madrid eventually act on Makelele’s recommendation, the French winger has already established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking players, and his performances suggest his best years may still lie ahead.
