France Star Michael Olise Shocks Fans In New York, Plays Pickup Match In Socks

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise surprised local football enthusiasts in New York City by unexpectedly taking part in a public recreational match. Having recently concluded his international campaign with France at the World Cup, the 24-year-old was spotted playing in socks, earning widespread praise for his grounded love for the game.

Just days after concluding his international duties with France at the World Cup, Bayern winger Olise surprised New York City residents by joining an amateur football match. He took part in a recreational game organized through the community platform GoodRec on a public pitch. Remarkably, the former Crystal Palace star played without wearing football boots, turning out in socks and loose-fitting trousers instead.

Despite playing purely in socks, Olise still showcased flashes of his technical brilliance on the pitch, including his trademark move of cutting inside from the right flank onto his left foot. Following the conclusion of the match, the Frenchman posed for photographs with all participants, prompting GoodRec to share the moment on social media: "He beats us even in socks. Thank you for coming to a GoodRec game in New York City!"

This spontaneous appearance capped an impressive period for Olise, who excelled throughout the World Cup by setting a new record with seven assists for Les Bleus. That achievement builds on his sensational stats for Bayern last season, where he delivered 22 goals and 31 assists across 52 appearances in all competitions. His presence on a public pitch in New York reinforces his reputation as a footballer who possesses a genuine, unadulterated passion for the game.

(Getty Images Sport)

Olise will now enjoy a period of holiday before reporting back to