Michael Olise, one of world football’s most electrifying talents, remains without a major personal sponsorship deal despite his meteoric rise at Bayern Munich and Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden is determined to change that .
The German sportswear giant’s chief executive has made no secret of his admiration for the French winger, publicly declaring his interest during a high profile event in New York attended by football luminaries including Jürgen Klopp and Sami Khedira .
“Persönlich habe ich Erling Haaland versucht, auch schon als Puma Chef, weil ich ihn gut kenne. Es hat nicht geklappt,” Gulden revealed. “Als Fußball Fan hätte ich gerne Michael Olise, vielleicht klappt es” .
The pursuit comes as Olise continues to captivate audiences with his mesmerising ability on the ball, often matching his boots to his kit for a clean monotone aesthetic that has become his trademark . Yet despite his rising profile, the 24 year old has notably resisted overtures from major sportswear brands, with his representatives stating in the past that he is simply “not interested” in such arrangements .
Nike have also been linked with the Bayern star, with Olise having debuted an unreleased pair of the brand’s cleats in training in recent weeks . However, the personal intervention from Gulden who has previously attempted to secure Erling Haaland for both Puma and now Adidas, signals the sportswear manufacturer’s serious intent .
Olise’s commercial value has surged alongside his on field contributions. The France international registered 22 goals and 26 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last season and carries a market valuation of €150 million . His status as one of the few elite players without a significant brand contract makes him an increasingly attractive target for major sportswear companies looking to strengthen their ambassador rosters .
Bayern Munich, for their part, are determined to retain their star on the pitch. Reports indicate the club view Olise as unsellable and plan to open contract renewal discussions after the World Cup .
Whether the player’s stance on a sponsorship deal has softened remains unclear, but with Gulden personally leading the charge, the battle for Olise’s signature appears far from over .
