Michael Olise is once again wearing a one-of-one by Matty Boy. In France's win over Sweden, he steps out in another hand-painted Nike Hypervenom Phantom III Elite – designed by the same artist who accompanied his World Cup opener.
In France's 3-1 win over Senegal, his first match at this World Cup with France, Michael Olise wore a hand-painted Nike Hypervenom Phantom III: white base colour, hand-drawn cartoon figures, scrawled lettering. It was painted by Matt Digiacomo, better known as Matty Boy, for years the creative director of Chrome Hearts. The Bayern Munich forward wears the brand not just for the cameras, but off the pitch too.
Now, in the 3-0 win over Sweden in the round of 32, came the second Nike Hypervenom Phantom III Elite, again hand-painted by Digiacomo. On a white base, colourful, comic-style hand motifs spread out in red, yellow, blue, pink and green, along with the word “TYPE” on the upper.
Michael Olise's fifth World Cup assist in a new custom boot
With the new pair, Olise picked up his fifth World Cup assist against Sweden, more than any other player in the tournament. That makes him the first player since Thomas Häßler in 1994 to reach five assists at a World Cup. Only Pelé provided more direct goal involvements at a single tournament, six, since data collection began in 1966.
Olise himself still has no boot deal, according to French sports paper L'Équipe. He plays exclusively in Nike boots, but remains contractually unattached, and is therefore of interest to several sportswear manufacturers. Other players of his calibre earn eight-figure sums a year, Olise so far nothing.
adidas is among those courting him. CEO Björn Gulden voiced his interest at a talk at the “Home of Soccer” in New York: “As a football fan, I'd love to have Michael Olise, maybe it'll happen.” Whether Nike, adidas or another manufacturer ultimately wins him over remains open. Or perhaps Olise simply continues his current path, without a boot deal at all.
