Michael Olise's early coach recalls rise from Hayes estate to Bayern and France

Michael Olise’s journey from a housing estate in Hayes, west London, to the brink of a World Cup with France has been recalled by one of his first coaches, Sean Conlon. Conlon, who coached Olise at Old Isleworthians, described the playmaker’s obsessive practice sessions as a child.

Olise, now a key player for Bayern Munich and the French national team, grew up honing his skills on a patch of parkland near his home. In a recent interview with L’Équipe, he said: “Football in these conditions, it’s just freedom. It’s not really learning in the strict sense. It was simply the pleasure of playing football. I just loved it.”

From Hayes to Bayern

Conlon recalled visiting Olise’s house and finding him constantly practising with his brother, Richard. “That little estate probably really aided him; there weren’t a lot of cars but it had quite a lot of concrete open space and then a small green. He’d just be practising out here all the time, obsessed with football,” Conlon said.

Olise’s career took off after a move to Reading’s academy, where he impressed before joining Crystal Palace and eventually securing a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich. Now 22, he has earned 12 caps for France and is part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

• Olise started at Old Isleworthians in west London.
• His early coach Sean Conlon noted his dedication to practice.
• He moved to Reading’s academy, then played for Crystal Palace.
• A transfer to Bayern Munich followed in 2024.
• He represents France and is in their World Cup squad.

Should France triumph in the World Cup, Olise’s rise from the Hayes estate to global football stardom would be a remarkable story of dedication and natural talent.