Michael Olise’s father Vincent Olise was a Nigeria cricket international, revealing a surprising sporting heritage behind the France World Cup star

France and Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise has attracted fresh attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after reports revealed that his father, Vincent Olise, was a former Nigeria international cricketer whose sporting career helped shape the football star’s family heritage.

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The 24-year-old winger has become an important figure for Didier Deschamps’ France side during their World Cup campaign, earning praise for his creativity, technical ability and attacking influence.

However, outside his achievements on the football pitch, Olise’s sporting background has another remarkable chapter through his father, who represented Nigeria in cricket for more than a decade.

According to reports by The Sun Sport, Vincent Olise played international cricket for Nigeria between 1983 and 1993, featuring for Lagos State, Foundations Cricket Club and the national team.

One of the highlights of Vincent Olise’s career reportedly came during a West African Quadrangular tournament match against Gambia, where he claimed 10 wickets in a single innings, matching a record previously held by Nigerian cricket player Chris Enahoro.

The revelation has surprised many football supporters who knew Michael Olise primarily through his rise in European football but were less familiar with the sporting achievements within his family.

The legacy adds another dimension to the player’s multicultural background.

Born in England to a Nigerian father and an Algerian mother, Olise was eligible to represent several countries, including France, England, Nigeria and Algeria.

After progressing through the English football system and establishing himself at club level, Olise chose to represent France internationally.

The Bayern Munich star has previously spoken about the influence of his family and his wider interests away from football.

He has also acknowledged that cricket remains a sport he follows, reflecting the impact of his father’s background.

Michael Olise developed through the youth ranks in England before making his mark in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

His performances earned him a high-profile move to Bayern Munich, where he continued his development among Europe’s elite players.

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His emergence as a key member of France’s national team has further increased global interest in his story, with fans now discovering the cricketing achievements of the father behind one of football’s brightest talents.