Michael Olise has scored his second direct free-kick for France, moving level with Zinedine Zidane and Dimitri Payet and putting himself one goal away from a new national-team mark since 2000.
Michael Olise Threatens Zidane’s Historic France Record After Stunning Free-Kick
Michael Olise has moved one step closer to a remarkable France record after scoring another direct free-kick for the national team.
The Bayern Munich star found the net against Italy in the Nations League, opening the scoring with a brilliant set-piece finish.
The goal was Olise’s second direct free-kick for France.
That puts him level with Zinedine Zidane and Dimitri Payet for the most direct free-kick goals for France since 2000.
Olise scores another stunning free-kick
France faced Italy at the Stade de France in an important Nations League match.
Olise gave the hosts the lead in the second half with a superb direct free-kick.
His strike beat the goalkeeper and immediately became one of the biggest talking points from the game.
Italy later equalised through Alessandro Bastoni as the match finished 1-1.
Olise moves level with Zidane
According to Opta statistics, Olise has now scored two direct free-kick goals for France.
His first came against Croatia in March 2025.
The latest goal against Italy means he has now matched two famous France players in this statistic.
Since 2000, the list stands at:
Zinedine Zidane: 2
Dimitri Payet: 2
Michael Olise: 2
One more direct free-kick would put Olise alone at the top of that list.
One goal away from new mark
Olise now needs just one more free-kick goal to reach three for France.
If he does that, he would become the first France player since 2000 to score three direct free-kicks for the national team.
That would take him beyond both Zidane and Payet in this specific statistic.
The possibility is especially interesting because Zidane is now working directly with Olise in the France team.
Zidane watches Olise chase his mark
The story has an unusual personal connection.
Zidane is now part of the France setup and has watched Olise become one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players.
Olise has responded with important goals and strong performances.
His latest free-kick means he is now threatening a mark held by the same man helping to guide him at international level.
That has made the statistic even more interesting for France supporters.
Olise continues strong France form
The Italy goal was not an isolated moment.
Olise has been in strong form for France and has become increasingly important in attack.
Before the Italy match, he also scored the winning goal in France’s 1-0 victory over Belgium.
His creativity, set-piece quality and ability to score from distance have made him a major threat.
His role in the team continues to grow with every international break.
Not only Zidane’s record
There is one important detail about the statistic.
This is not a record held only by Zidane.
Dimitri Payet also scored two direct free-kicks for France during the same period.
So Olise is currently level with both players.
Describing the situation as Olise chasing Zidane’s mark is fair, but the record is shared with Payet.
France may have a new set-piece star
France have had several excellent free-kick takers over the years.
Zidane and Payet are two of the most famous examples.
Olise now appears ready to add his name to that group.
At his current rate, another direct free-kick could create a new national-team mark for the modern era.
And after his latest strike against Italy, that possibility suddenly feels much closer.
