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Michael Olise is a young winger currently playing in the Premier League. The skillful left-footed soccer player is eligible to represent up to four countries at the senior level due to his mixed-heritage family.
The idea of Olise in the Super Eagles is one that has been a topic of discussion among Nigerian soccer fans, but the Three Lions of England are also monitoring the Eagles winger despite his appearance for France at the youth level.
Pending his decision on who to represent at the senior level, Pulse Sports Nigeria has taken time to reveal seven interesting facts about Michael Olise. But before we proceed, here are some basic details about the Eagles winger.
How old is Michael Olise?
Michael Olise was born on December 12, 2001, making him 22 years old at the time of writing (June 2024).
Which club does Michael Olise play for?
Olise currently plays for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. He joined the club from Reading on a five-year deal in 2021 after they activated his £8.37 million release clause.
Interesting facts about Michael Olise
1. Olise has a Nigerian father
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Though he was born in Hammersmith, London, England, Olise’s father is Vincent Olise, who is a Nigerian. His mother, however, is French-Algerian and that has contributed to his multi-cultural upbringing. Olise’s full name is Michael Akpovie Olise, and the name “Akpovie” is common to people from the South-South region of Nigeria.
2. Olise is eligible to represent four countries
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The winger’s mixed-background makes him eligible to represent France, Algeria, England or Nigeria internationally.
He can represent France and Algeria due to his mother’s heritage, while he can represent Nigeria through his father’s heritage. The choice of England is made possible because it is his place of birth.
However, he has represented France at the youth level, making his debut for the under 18 in 2019 and for the under 21 in 2022. In 2021, he was named as a standby in the squad for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.
3. Olise has a younger sibling who is also a soccer player
Michael has a younger brother, Richard Olise, who was born on September 9, 2004, making him 19 years old as of June 2024. Richard joined Chelsea as an Under-9, and has represented England at the youth level.
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A right-back by trade, he played for England's U18s in a friendly against Wales in September 2021, but he is also eligible for four countries.
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4. Olise once played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City
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Being born in London meant Olise had to get his soccer education in England’s capital city. His journey began at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, but it was not long before Chelsea’s scouts noticed him, and he took him off the Gunners. After seven years at Chelsea’s academy, Olise left at the age of 14 to join Manchester City’s academy, where he spent just one year.
5. Olise was laid-back as a kid
There have been several reports on Olise’s laid-back attitude, which is reflected in his style of play and goal celebrations. The winger has always been laid-back since childhood, and he hardly spoke, but his love for street soccer helped him to open up.
When he was six years old, his father enrolled him in a local grassroots team, Hayes FC, and this helped him communicate more while receiving the necessary training.
6. Olise has a networth of £9 million
Though he is yet to secure a move to a top Premier League side, Olise earns quite well at Crystal Palace, where he signed a contract extension worth £100,000 weekly and £5,200,000 yearly in August 2023.
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The winger signed his first professional contract at Reading in 2019 and was earning decently well. All of these earnings have contributed to his net worth, which will continue to rise as his career advances.
7. Olise has a release clause in his contract
In England, including a release clause in contracts is not common. However, Olise’s contract with Palace has always had a release clause. It was £35 million when he signed for the Eagles in 2021, but it increased to £60 million after he signed a new contract in 2023.
Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and PSG have all shown interest in the winger and will have to convince him to join after paying the release clause.
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