Michael Olise wows fans week after week with his performances on the field. Off the pitch, however, the Bayern star remains an enigma. Now, the Frenchman has offered rare insights into his private life—and revealed why he ticks differently than many of his colleagues.
Michael Olise has long been one of FC Bayern’s biggest stars. After his outstanding season, the Frenchman is not only considered one of Europe’s best players but also a contender for the Ballon d’Or.
While his soccer skills regularly make headlines, the 24-year-old deliberately keeps a low profile in his private life. Interviews are rare, and public appearances off the soccer field are even rarer.
This makes the insights Olise shared in his conversation with Highsnobiety all the more fascinating.
“I’m not a very emotional person”
The Bayern pro began by explaining why he often comes across as more reserved than other players. “I’m not a super emotional person. I don’t react the way everyone else does,” Olise said candidly.
This calm demeanor is evident not only on the field but also in his interactions with the media and the public. While many pros regularly give interviews or share their private lives on social media, Olise prefers to focus on other things.
Particularly surprising: The Frenchman is an avid chess player.
When asked about his current rating, he revealed: “Around 1400. It fluctuates between 1300 and 1400. I’m trying to reach 1500. Chess is difficult.”
A rating of 1400 is already considered a solid level for ambitious amateur players. The 1500 mark would be the next important step in his development.
Another anecdote from Olise also shows that chess is quite popular among the Bavarians.
Musiala surprised Olise at the chessboard
When asked which teammate had beaten him most recently, the attacking star had to smile. “Jamal Musiala. He’s not as good as I am, but he beat me. I wasn’t really focused,” Olise explained.
Of course, he couldn’t resist a little dig at his Bayern teammate.
In fact, many pros use chess and other brain games to train their concentration, decision-making, and mental strength—skills that are also in demand on the soccer field.
In addition to chess, Olise mentioned another passion that seems rather unusual in Europe. “Ping-pong. And cricket. My father was a national cricket player for Nigeria,” the Bayern star revealed.
Cricket, in particular, holds personal and family significance for Olise.
Jonathan Tah as a fashion icon
The Frenchman also had a clear opinion on the topic of fashion. When asked about the best-dressed teammates, he chose Jonathan Tah at FC Bayern. “At Bayern, Jonathan Tah. For France, I’d say Hugo Ekitiké,” Olise explained.
These statements show once again why Michael Olise is so special.
While many soccer stars publicly put on a show of their personalities, the Frenchman remains true to his quiet nature. Chess, cricket, and his passion for fashion paint the picture of a player who pursues his own interests away from the spotlight and consciously goes his own way.
Perhaps it is precisely this composure that is one of the reasons why Olise is currently among the most exceptional players in the world on the field.