Bayern Legend Lothar Matthaus Tips Nigeria-Eligible Midfielder for Next Ballon d’Or

• Former Bayern Munich star Lothar Matthaus has praised the impressive form of Nigeria-eligible midfielder Michael Olise
• The football legend has predicted that the forward could become the next world’s best player after Ousmane Dembele
• Olise, who joined Bayern from English club Crystal Palace in 2024, netted 20 goals and 23 assists in all competitions last season

A former Bayern Munich star, Lothar Matthaus, has tipped Nigeria-eligible midfielder Michael Olise to become the next world's best player.

Bundesliga giants Bayern could have bagged their first Ballon d'Or since 1981, according to Matthaus, who won the award in 1990, during his time at Inter Milan.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the prize in 1981 while playing for Bayern Munich, and it was his second one, having also won it in 1980 while at the same club.

They are impressed with the performance of Olise, who has been impressive since joining the club in 2024 from English club Crystal Palace, per Yahoo.

After scoring 15 league goals in 38 matches so far, the legendary midfielder Matthaus believes Olise could win the Ballon d'Or after Ousmane Dembele.

He told Bild:

"He has everything an outstanding footballer needs. I see no limits for him. And the example of Ousmane Dembele shows that a winger can become a world-class footballer.

"It always depends on the success of the team, especially in the Champions League – but yes, I believe Olise can (win the Ballon d'Or)."

Upon his arrival in Germany, Olise quickly established himself as a key player in Vincent Kompany's frontline.

Last season, he scored 20 goals and provided 23 assists in all competitions and was placed in 30th position on the Ballon d'Or rankings.

Fans have argued that the position was not a true reflection of the player's impact on his club last season.

In the ongoing campaign, Olise has netted four goals and registered three assists in seven games.

Dembele wins Ballon d'Or

Meanwhile, Frenchman Ousmane Dembele won the 2025 Ballon d'Or award at the ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet on September 22, 2025.

Dembele had a remarkable year, leading Paris Saint-Germain to a quadruple, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

Barcelona youngster Yamal won the Kopa trophy (young player's award), becoming the first player to win the award twice after a brilliant individual season with Barcelona, winning three trophies.

Dembele said:

"I have received this award from one of the biggest legends of all time. I can't believe this. This is an award thanks to the collective. I want to thank all my teammates."

Yamal's dad blasts Ballon d'Or

Legit.ng earlier reported that Lamine Yamal's father was not impressed as his talented son did not win the 2025 Ballon d'Or on Monday night.

Bookmakers had tipped Dembele to win the gong, but some fans and pundits had made a case for Yamal to win it.

Source: Legit.ng