Michael Olise: Biography, Age, Parents, and Bayern Move

There’s something about a winger who can make a crowded Premier League defence look silly, then deliver a cross that seems to bend around the laws of physics. Michael Olise is that kind of player—and the football world took notice when he swapped Crystal Palace for Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024.

Age (as of 2025): 23 ·
Height: 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) ·
Nationality: France / England ·
Current Club: FC Bayern Munich ·
Position: Attacking midfielder / winger

Key facts at a glance

Seven data points profile the player’s identity, physical dimensions, and current standing.

Physical and playing style specifications

A closer look at the measurements and technical attributes that define Olise’s game.

Who are Michael Olise’s parents?

Mother: French‑Algerian descent

• Olise’s mother is of French‑Algerian heritage, which gave him eligibility for the French national team (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)).
• Her name has not been publicly disclosed (Crystal Palace FC (official club site)).

Father: Nigerian descent

• His father is of Nigerian descent, adding to a multi‑cultural upbringing in London (Crystal Palace FC (official club site)).
• No public records exist for his father’s name or profession.

The implication: Olise’s mixed heritage explains why three national teams—England, France, and Nigeria—could have claimed him. He chose France, but his background remains a talking point for fans curious about identity in modern football.

Is Michael Olise married?

Relationship status

• As of 2025, Olise has not publicly confirmed being married (ESPN (global sports network)).
• He keeps his personal life private; no verified information about a wife or girlfriend exists in reliable sources.

What this means: For a 23‑year‑old professional who moved countries and clubs, keeping his private life quiet is a deliberate choice. Fans who search for “Michael Olise wife” will find only speculation—so far, the record is blank.

What is Michael Olise’s nationality?

National team representation

• Olise holds dual nationality: English by birth and French through his mother (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)).
• He represents France at senior international level, having made his debut in 2024 (Crystal Palace FC (official club site)).

Dual citizenship

• Born in London, England, he is also eligible for Nigeria through his father (ESPN (global sports network)).
• He played for France at youth levels before graduating to the senior team.

The pattern: Dual‑national footballers often face pressure to choose early. Olise’s path—youth caps for France, then a senior call‑up—shows a clear preference that may affect his marketing appeal in England.

How old is Michael Olise?

Date of birth

• Michael Olise was born on December 12, 2001 (Crystal Palace FC (official club site)).

Age in 2025

• As of 2025, he is 23 years old (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)).

Why this matters: At 23, Olise is entering his peak years. Bayern bet on a player who already has over 100 senior appearances but still has room to grow—a classic buy‑young‑sell‑old strategy.

Did Michael Olise move to Real Madrid?

Transfer rumours

• Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle were among clubs linked with Olise before he chose Bayern (ESPN (global sports network)).
• Real Madrid has been mentioned in speculative reports, but no official bid or contact has been confirmed (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)).

Current club status

• He currently plays for FC Bayern Munich, having signed a five‑year contract until June 2029 (Crystal Palace FC (official club announcement)).
• The transfer fee was reported by BBC as about €60 million (£50 million) and by ESPN as about £60 million (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster); ESPN (global sports network)).

The catch: Real Madrid rumours are inevitable for any star winger with Olise’s dribbling numbers. But for now, the move to Bayern is real, and the Bernabéu remains a hypothetical future chapter.

Timeline: Michael Olise’s career milestones

• December 12, 2001 – Born in Hammersmith, London (Crystal Palace FC (official club site))
• 2019 – Senior debut for Reading FC (Crystal Palace FC (official club site))
• July 2021 – Joined Crystal Palace on a five‑year deal, activation of £8.37 million release clause (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
• 2022‑23 – Recorded 11 assists in 37 Premier League matches, first Palace player to reach double‑digit assists in a top‑flight season (The Athletic (specialist sports journalism))
• July 7, 2024 – Completed permanent transfer to FC Bayern Munich for a reported fee of €60 million (£50‑60 million) (Crystal Palace FC (official club announcement); BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))
• 2024 – Senior debut for France national team (BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster))

Clarity check: what we know vs. what remains uncertain

“Olise made 90 appearances, scoring 16 goals and registering 25 assists across all competitions for Crystal Palace.”

Crystal Palace FC (official club announcement)

“Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle were among clubs linked with Olise before he chose Bayern.”

ESPN (global sports network)

“Bayern paid about €60 million, or about £50 million, for Olise.”

BBC Sport (UK public broadcaster)

“Olise had 11 assists in 37 league matches in 2022‑23, making him the first Palace player to record double‑digit assists in a Premier League season.”

The Athletic (specialist sports journalism)

The transfer to Bayern Munich is the defining move of Olise’s early career, but the narrative does not end there. He arrived in Munich with a reputation for creativity and a recent injury‑hit season—questions about fitness will follow him into the Allianz Arena. For Bayern fans, the message is clear: Olise is a gamble worth taking, but the Premier League’s loss is the Bundesliga’s gain. For rival scouts, the real test begins now: can he stay healthy enough to justify the nine‑figure investment?

For a deeper look at Michael Olises journey from being released at 14, check out this detailed biography that covers his parents, languages, and transfer rumors.

Frequently asked questions

For more on rising football stars and transfer analysis, see Marcus Rashford: Barcelona Loan and Career Crossroads and Ronaldo Jr: Age, Height, Team, and Early Football Career (2025).