Neymar surprises Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise with a special gift

Michael Olise was the outstanding figure in Bayern Munich’s 7-0 win against Union Berlin. He went home not only with the man-of-the-match award and the match ball, but also with a special gift from Neymar.

Michael Olise was always going to take home two souvenirs from this 7-0 rout. His hat-trick earned him the match ball, as tradition demands. The player of the match award was never in doubt either, with Olise not only scoring three goals but also providing two assists.

Then, as he walked through the mixed zone, a rather unexpected third memento was waiting for the 25-year-old Frenchman: a Neymar shirt with a personal dedication. The Brazilian superstar asked journalist Isabela Pagliari to hand it to Olise during her visit to the Allianz Arena.

There is a reason for that. Olise previously named Neymar, along with Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane, as one of his idols. Neymar enjoyed his best spell at Paris Saint-Germain. The 34-year-old is now seeing out his career at his hometown club Santos FC.

Michael Olise is producing outstanding numbers this season

Right now, Olise is flying. Against Union in his seventh competitive match of the season, he was named the best player on the pitch for the fourth time already. Overall, he has 11 goal involvements, one every 51 minutes played.

Harry Kane said: "I really enjoy playing with Michael, and I also like him a lot as a person. Not everyone gets to see his true personality, but he is a great character. He is completely different from how he comes across to outsiders." Olise is considered very media-shy. After his gala against Union, he declined an interview with Sky. "That is what I am here for," said his stand-in and friend Jamal Musiala with a smile.

Elsewhere, board member for sport Max Eberl made the case for Olise to be in the World Player of the Year conversation. "For me, Michael Olise is also one of the candidates for the Ballon d'Or. He is one of the best players in the world," said Eberl. Alongside Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Rodri are also regarded as favourites.

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