Luis Figo, the Ballon d’Or winner in 2000, declared on Monday that the Frenchman Michael Olise is among the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or.
“The consecration? French winger Michael Olise from Bayern Munich, shining in the Champions League quarter-finals, is among the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or this year,” said former Real Madrid star Luis Figo, who won in 2000.
“He’s an incredible player, who made the difference in this match (against Real). He is having an exceptional season, and is one of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or, not in the future but this year,” said the former Portuguese striker before the Laureus Sports Awards ceremony in Madrid.
Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s coach, on Michael Olise: “One of the best players in Europe.”
“I believe it’s a pleasant surprise, not only on an individual level but also for what he does for his team. For all the fans and people who love beautiful football, it’s a pleasure to watch him play,” he continued.
Figo, asked about the possibility of Olise joining Real Madrid, acknowledged that it would be a “difficult” operation, as the Bayern leaders have clearly closed the door on it, and congratulated the German club for betting on the 24-year-old French international (15 caps, 4 goals).
