Awarded to the tournament's best player, the Golden Ball is decided by media representatives from a shortlist selected by the Technical Study Group (TSG).
Michael Olise has communicated a final decision on his future to Bayern Munich following intense speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid. The France international, who has been a revelation at Allianz Arena since his 2024 move from Crystal Palace, is reportedly eager to extend his stay with the Bundesliga champions.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is eager to join Real Madrid this summer following another outstanding season in Germany. The France international has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in world football, and he now views the Spanish giants as the absolute perfect environment to take the next major step in his rapidly accelerating career.
France's World Cup campaign ended in dismal fashion on Tuesday as Didier Deschamps' side were outclassed by Spain in a 2-0 defeat that saw Les Bleus heroes Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele kept quiet. France failed to register a single shot on target in the first 80 minutes of the semi-final as La Roja progressed at their expense.
Claude Makelele has hailed Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe as the modern-day successor to Ronaldo Nazario, tipping the Frenchman to secure the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The former Los Blancos midfielder believes Mbappe's impact on the world stage puts him in a category of his own among his peers.
Claude Makelele has revealed he urged Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Michael Olise. The former Los Blancos midfielder also compared the Bayern Munich winger's ability to influence games to Lionel Messi, while insisting Olise should not be compared to Jude Bellingham.
Michael Olise is reportedly seeking an urgent meeting with Bayern Munich officials to discuss his future following a sensational World Cup campaign that has seen his market value skyrocket. The France international is at a crossroads in Bavaria as interest from Real Madrid continues to intensify behind the scenes.
France fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as captain Kylian Mbappe appears to be in high spirits despite recent injury concerns. The Real Madrid superstar has been at the centre of an ankle scare following his substitution in the quarter-final victory over Morocco. However, new footage from the French camp suggests the Golden Boot contender is feeling fine ahead of the semi-final showdown with Spain.
Excitement is growing as we approach the final of the 2026 World Cup and, throughout the showpiece tournament in North America, GOAL, in association with eToro, is tracking the value of some of the world's most sought-after talents. Will their price rise or plummet? Follow our unique player value tracker to find out...
Didier Deschamps has confirmed Michael Olise remains on a yellow card for the World Cup quarter-final against Morocco after FIFA rejected a formal appeal. The decision contrasts sharply with the governing body recently overturning a suspension for United States forward Folarin Balogun, adding further frustration as France map their potential route to the semi-final.
Patrice Evra has explained to GOAL why Michael Olise’s “nonchalance” is a good thing, with the enigmatic France international winger being told what the “hardest” part of being a superstar is about to become. The Bayern Munich forward has been in dazzling form for club and country, with World Cup glory currently being chased down on North American soil.
Real Madrid icon Ivan Zamorano has urged the Spanish giants to secure the signing of Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise to complete a devastating attacking trio at the Santiago Bernabeu. The legendary former striker believes the French international is the perfect profile to take Los Blancos to the next level following a disappointing period without major silverware.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Comprehensive match preview of France vs Morocco at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this quarter-final clash in Foxborough.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has launched an appeal to FIFA in an attempt to have Michael Olise’s yellow card rescinded. The Bayern Munich star was booked during Les Bleus' last-16 victory over Paraguay, leaving him on a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the quarter-finals.
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