Michael Olise Ballon dOr? A German football legend backs the French

Oliver Kahn, the iconic goalkeeper of Bayern Munich and the German national team, has named Michael Olise as one of his favorites for the Ballon d’Or as the end of the season approaches.

Ousmane Dembélé may have a successor in a fellow countryman? Michael Olise, a key player in Bayern Munich’s qualification for the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid on Wednesday (4-3 victory in the quarter-finals, 6-4 on aggregate), is already a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. The French attacking midfielder has also taken the lead with the French national team, where he is expected to be a key player during the upcoming World Cup (June 11 – July 19).

Oliver Kahn, the legendary Bayern goalkeeper (632 matches) and Germany international (86 caps), believes strongly in Olise’s chances. “When you see his performances in recent weeks, Michael Olise is without a doubt on course for the Ballon d’Or,” he said to Sky Sport Germany. He finished 3rd in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2001 and 2002.

Vincent Kompany, the Bayern coach, also praised Michael Olise, calling him “one of the best players in Europe.”

Olise, 24, has impressive statistics of 18 goals and 25 assists in 43 matches with Bayern this season. The Munich-based team, on track for another Bundesliga title, and still in the running in the German Cup, will face PSG in the Champions League semi-finals (April 28 and May 6).