Uli Hoeneß says Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is ahead of Lamine Yamal

Uli Hoeneß, honorary president of Bayern Munich, has claimed Michael Olise is a better player than Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal.

Speaking to Welt am Sonntag, Hoeneß said the 24-year-old France international was on course to become the best player in the world.

“Michael Olise is on his way to becoming the best player in the world. For me, he is better than Lamine Yamal,” said Hoeneß.

The former Bayern Munich president praised Olise’s all-round ability, describing him as an almost complete footballer.

“He scores goals, creates goals and is quick… he is practically the perfect player,” he added.

Olise has established himself as a key attacking figure since joining Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace. His performances have strengthened his standing among Europe’s leading young forwards.

Yamal, meanwhile, has become an important part of Barcelona’s team under manager Hansi Flick. The Spain international is 19 and is also among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Both players are regarded as two of the most exciting attacking talents in European football, making Hoeneß’s comparison particularly notable ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

Yamal is due to face Real Madrid later on Sunday, giving the Barcelona winger the opportunity to respond on the pitch as debate continues over the finest young attackers in Europe.

The match places further attention on Yamal at a time when his influence at Barcelona and his prospects in the Ballon d’Or race are being closely discussed. Hoeneß’s assessment instead gives Olise the advantage, based on the Bayern Munich player’s goalscoring, creativity and pace.