“Do Exactly What I Tell You” — Olise Reveals Zidane’s Message Behind France’s Belgium Comeback

Michael Olise turned Zinedine Zidane’s tactical intervention into a spectacular late show as France came from behind to beat Belgium 4–1 in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France.

France trailed after Dodi Lukebakio put Belgium ahead in the 35th minute, but Zidane’s second-half changes transformed the contest. Désiré Doué equalised in the 77th minute before Rayan Cherki put France ahead four minutes later, with Olise then scoring twice to complete a remarkable comeback.

Olise, Cherki and Doué all came off the bench and were central to France’s four-goal burst. Olise assisted Cherki’s 81st-minute goal before scoring himself in the 88th minute and again in stoppage time, giving the Bayern Munich forward three goal involvements in a devastating 30-minute cameo.

After the match, Olise spoke about the instructions he and Cherki received from Zidane before helping France overturn the deficit. The account circulating online says Zidane urged the pair to execute his instructions and predicted that France would leave with all three points. The France coach introduced Olise and Cherki around the hour mark, while Doué followed later, and the trio changed the rhythm of the game.

Olise’s performance continued an outstanding international run under Zidane. The 24-year-old has become one of Zidane’s most influential attacking players. He scored the only goal when France defeated Belgium 1–0 in Brussels on September 28, producing a superb solo finish after coming off the bench late in the match.

Zidane has repeatedly highlighted Olise’s qualities since taking charge of Les Bleus. Before the return meeting with Belgium, he described the Bayern star as a “leader of play”, while also praising his ability to read and feel the game.

The victory was particularly significant for Zidane as it delivered his first home win as France coach. It also extended his unbeaten start since succeeding Didier Deschamps, with France having now won against Türkiye and Belgium twice while drawing with Italy during the Nations League campaign.

France’s comeback was completed in extraordinary fashion. After Belgium had frustrated the hosts for more than an hour, Doué’s equaliser opened the floodgates, Cherki struck four minutes later and Olise finished the job with his quickfire double. Zidane described the turnaround as an “extraordinary second half”, acknowledging that France had struggled to find solutions against Belgium’s defensive block before eventually finding the breakthrough.

The result leaves France at the top of Nations League Group A1 with 10 points, three ahead of Italy, while Belgium remain on six points. For Olise, however, the night was another reminder of his growing importance to the French national team. With Zidane increasingly trusting his attacking depth, the Bayern forward responded with arguably his most influential performance of the new manager’s tenure — turning a difficult night into a memorable French comeback.