Thierry Henry Declares Michael Olise France's Most Important Player After 3-1 Victory Over Senegal

France opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer, and Michael Olise supplied an assist. France recorded only one shot in the first half—the fewest for a French side in a World Cup group-stage match since Opta began tracking data in 1966. Second-half tactical changes reversed the momentum.

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

Mid-fielder Michael Olise, a Bayern Munich playmaker, moved into a central “number 10” role after halftime. He logged 76 touches, created four clear-cut chances and linked defense to attack. Henry said Olise’s positioning disrupted Senegal’s transitions and his defensive work stopped the opposition midfielder from receiving the ball. The shift coincided with France’s greater possession and space for Mbappé’s right-wing strike.

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

Former France striker Thierry Henry called Olise the team’s “most important player” (MIP) while noting Mbappé remains the “most valuable player” (MVP). Henry praised Olise’s vision, awareness and ability to orchestrate play, adding that France had long lacked a connecting midfielder and that Olise’s central presence energized the side in the second half.

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

• First-half shots: 1 (lowest for France since 1966)

Thierry Henry snubs Kylian Mbappe when naming France's 'most important player' after World Cup win against Senegal

• Michael Olise: 76 touches, 4 chances created, 1 assist

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

• Kylian Mbappé: 2 goals, all-time French scorer record

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

• Final score: France 3, Senegal 1

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

Henry’s endorsement suggests Olise could become a pivotal figure for Les Bleus. His ability to control tempo, defend high and create chances adds a new dimension to a squad already rich in attack. If Olise sustains his influence, France may gain a more balanced midfield capable of dictating play against varied opponents.

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

• “Henry explained: "I like the way he plays and I think the game changed in the second half when he went in the 10 position.” — Thierry Henry, Former France striker

Thierry Henry snubs Kylian Mbappe when naming France's 'most important player' after World Cup win against Senegal

• “Michael Olise is starting to be our MIP, the most important player.” — Thierry Henry

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

• “I like the way he plays and I think the game changed in the second half when he went in the 10 position. I know it created that goal on the right [to Kylian Mbappe]. But when he played in the middle, what he did was he stop Senegal playing. He was always stopping the midfielder from getting the ball. He sees everything. He has an impact on games that I cannot explain to you. If you make one mistake of not being aware of what he's going to do, he will punish you with a pass. The impact he had in the second half made the team tick.” — Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry snubs Kylian Mbappe when naming France's 'most important player' after World Cup win against Senegal

• “If you make one mistake of not being aware of what he's going to do, he will punish you with a pass.” — Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry snubs Kylian Mbappe when naming France's 'most important player' after World Cup win against Senegal

• “The impact he had in the second half made the team tick.” — Thierry Henry

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

• “Olise pulled the strings in France's FIFA World Cup-opening win over Senegal.” — Thierry Henry, Former France legend

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'

France will carry the confidence from the Senegal victory into their next World Cup group match. Henry’s praise of Olise sets expectations for the midfielder to continue orchestrating play, while Mbappé’s scoring form remains a central focus for the French attack.

Mbappé Is MVP But Thierry Henry Explains Who Is France's 'Most Important Player'