All About French Soccer Player Michael Olise’s Parents, Vincent and Mina Olise
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NEED TO KNOW
- Michael Olise chose to represent France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup because of his mom’s French roots
- His dad, Vincent Olise, is a former Nigerian cricket star
- Vincent and Mina have another son, Richard, who also plays soccer
Michael Olise is honoring his parents, Vincent and Mina Olise, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Because his father is from Nigeria and his mother is Franco-Algerian, the rising soccer star — who was born and raised in England — was eligible to play for four different countries. Ultimately, Michael decided to represent his mom’s roots.
Michael told his team, FC Bayern München, in December 2024 that he considered himself “very lucky” to have such a varied background.
“Nationality says where you come from. And I actually come from four countries: France, Algeria, Nigeria and Great Britain,” he said. “I feel each individual part in me, I’ve developed attachments in all my countries.”
So, who are Michael Olise’s parents? Here’s everything to know about Vincent and Mina Olise.
Mina is from France
Vincent, Michael and Mina Olise at the 34th UNFP Football Awards in 2026Credit: Thomas SAMSON / AFP via Getty
Michael’s mother’s French roots made him eligible to represent France at the 2026 World Cup, and it helped inspire his decision to do so.
After joining the country’s national team in 2024, he opened up about his choice.
“My mother is from France,” he told reporters at a press conference, via Nigeria’s Daily Post. “When I was little, I [went to France]. I had this connection with France. I’m proud to be [in France].”
Though he picked France to make his World Cup debut, Michael’s childhood was influenced by all four nationalities.
“When I was growing up in London, we regularly visited Algeria, Nigeria and France,” he told FC Bayern München. “My dad always spoke English with me at home, my mum French — and I always answered both in English. I feel very comfortable with French too.”
Vincent was a national cricket player for Nigeria
Michael may have gotten his athleticism from his father, who played for the Nigerian national cricket team from 1983 to 1990, per the Nigeria Cricket Federation.
Vincent’s career spanned over two decades and multiple clubs, where he served as an opening batsman and specialist fielder.
As of 2020, he held the joint record of 10 wickets in a single innings.
They have two sons
Michael Olise during the 2026 FIFA World CupCredit: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty
After Michael was born on Dec. 12, 2001, per ESPN, Vincent and Mina welcomed their second child, Richard Olise.
Like his older brother, he also plays soccer and was on Chelsea FC until he was recently released, according to The Mirror.
“We never talk about football to be honest,” Michael told Highsnobietyin June 2026. “We are both in it so much. We talk about life.”
He continued, “When you have a setback, take it as a lesson. Use it as time to grow. Someone always has something worse than what you are experiencing. There is no time to complain. Digest what happened, then move on.”
Mina introduced Michael to chess
Soccer isn’t the only competitive game Michael plays. He’s also a big fan of chess, thanks to his mom. Rhe professional athlete revealed that he usually has a rating between 1300 and 1400.
“She was the one who introduced me to chess when I was younger,” he told Highsnobiety.
In addition to chess, Michael also loves to play ping-pong and cricket, his dad’s sport.
Though he’s known for being cool and calm on the soccer field, he admittedly can be a sore loser when he’s competing against family.
“It depends on who I’m playing against,” the soccer star said. “I never want to lose to my little brother. Or my mom.”
Read the original article on People