Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise impressed in France’s opening-game victory against Senegal
They showed signs of a burgeoning link-up that could see them take their place among football’s great duos
France now turn their attentions to match against Iraq in
Jozsef Bozsik and Ferenc Puskas, Raymond Kopa and Just Fontaine, Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens: the has long been a stage for partnerships that become greater than the sum of their parts. These are players whose names sit naturally alongside one another, their legacies intertwined, each elevating the other through instinct, timing and a near-telepathic understanding.
France may have the makings of something similar. In Les Bleus’ Group I opening win against Senegal, it took just one passage of play to highlight connection between Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise. With the West Africans well organised and resilient, Mbappe’s run in behind finally broke the line, and Olise, alert to the movement, delivered a superb pass that nobody had seen coming – except, of course, the French captain. Mbappe did the rest, slotting past Edouard Mendy to set the European titans on their way.
Didier Deschamps praised the contribution of the two stars after the match.
“We were much better in the second half, with Michael playing in the centre of the park," he said. "It gave us more cohesion. We were a bit timid, a bit tense at the start. That’s the nature of a first World Cup match and the anticipation that comes with it. Michael can play on either flank, but the more he gets on the ball, the better we are. We created more chances, and Kylian’s efficiency is a huge asset for us.”
Tournament openers rarely run smoothly, and the 2022 runners-up had their fair share of rough edges. There remains fine-tuning to be done, yet Deschamps will take encouragement from the crisp interplay developing between the duo.
There were glimpses during qualifying – notably in the 4-0 win over Ukraine – when the midfielder first picked out Mbappe with a similarly incisive pass.
“It’s very easy to play with Michael," said Mbappe. "He always keeps his head up; he’s always looking forward. You have to give him options because he wants to find you. I knew he’d be looking for me every time I made a run. Even if the pass doesn’t always come off, it doesn’t matter. It’s only the first match.”
Some chances went begging and there were some untidy moments before the break, but the intent to link up was constant and more pronounced as the game opened up. Olise, beyond the assist for Mbappe's opener and his role in the second, might easily have created further opportunities with a touch more luck.
The pair’s understanding is also being forged away from the pitch. At 28, Mbappe is no longer the carefree, reserved teenager who broke through at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ in Russia. He has grown into a senior figure within the squad, taking 24‑year‑old Olise under his wing.
“I love him,” Mbappe said of Olise before the tournament. “I’ve got to know him. He’s not someone who talks much, but he’s very likeable. He’s different.”
He was quick to stress the former Crystal Palace player’s quality as well. “He’s an exceptional player and we’re lucky to have him. He’s always wanted to play for France, and it shows."
Olise, characteristically, has said little publicly. The Bayern Munich man remains reserved with the press, even when in sparkling form. Perhaps he will shed some light on the budding partnership after Les Bleus’ second match against Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday, 22 June.
On Olise's character off the pitch, Mbappe added: “I get on really well with him; we speak French together. He speaks it well, though you won’t necessarily hear it, since he doesn’t enjoy speaking to the media. That’s just who he is. Michael is an introvert, a man of few words. But he lets his football do the talking. You have to accept him as he is; he won’t change. He’s not just a special player, he’s a great lad.”
While French fans are already dreaming of where this partnership might lead, both players understand that a single performance counts for little in the wider sweep of a tournament. There is more to come, and next up is the clash with Iraq.
All great partnerships are forged over time. For Mbappe and Olise, this is only the start.
Sources: FIFA Official
