Michael Olise Makes World Cup History by Breaking Pelé's Long-Standing Assist Record

Michael Olise has etched his name into World Cup history.

Although France narrowly missed out on a podium finish, Olise's individual achievement will be remembered as one of the defining stories of the 2026 World Cup. Breaking a record held by one of football's greatest icons is a remarkable milestone, and one that underlines the extraordinary tournament the Bayern Munich playmaker has enjoyed.

Olise's achievement is remarkable not only because of the record itself, but because of the consistency he showed throughout the tournament. Whether operating from the right wing or drifting into central areas, he repeatedly unlocked defenses with precise passing and intelligent movement, becoming France's primary creator in the final third.

His partnership with Kylian Mbappé was one of the tournament's standout attacking combinations. Five of Olise's seven assists were finished by the French captain, highlighting the understanding the pair developed over the course of the World Cup. Although France fell short of a podium finish, Olise leaves the tournament with an individual achievement that will stand alongside some of the greatest World Cup performances. Breaking a record held by Pelé for more than five decades is a milestone few players could have imagined reaching. At just 24 years old, the Bayern Munich playmaker has already established himself as one of the world's elite creators. If this tournament is any indication, his place among football's best playmakers is only just beginning.