Bayern’s Max Eberl says Michael Olise will stay, ending Real Madrid rumors

Michael Olise Max Eberl Real Madrid FC Bayern Munich jersey number 11

During the 2026 World Cup, speculation grew that French forward Michael Olise might leave FC Bayern Munich for Real Madrid. Sporting director Max Eberl addressed the rumor, noting he kept regular contact with Olise throughout the tournament. Eberl said Olise sent him a friendly photo with former Bayern player Manu Kone, but the player rebuffed the suggestion to switch his jersey number.

When loan‑returnee Nicolas Jackson left the Bayern squad, the number 11 shirt became free. Eberl offered the number to Olise, who declined, stating he wishes to keep his current number 17.

Entities: Borussia Dortmund · FC Bayern Munich · German Bundesliga · Jan‑Christian Dreesen · Max Eberl · Michael Olise · Nicolas Jackson · RB Leipzig · Real Madrid

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are conducting overseas tours this year. (Jan‑Christian Dreesen)
[● 3 SOURCES] Dreesen described the current situation regarding TV‑revenue claims as ‘absurd.’ (Jan‑Christian Dreesen)
[● 3 SOURCES] The Bundesliga lags behind the English Premier League and Spain’s LaLiga in marketing international TV rights. (Jan‑Christian Dreesen)
[● 3 SOURCES] Dreesen urged other Bundesliga clubs to increase their international marketing efforts. (Jan‑Christian Dreesen)
[● 3 SOURCES] Jan‑Christian Dreesen is the chief executive of FC Bayern Munich.
[● 3 SOURCES] Bundesliga clubs that do not tour abroad still claim a large share of international television revenue. (Jan‑Christian Dreesen)
[● 3 SOURCES] Only a small percentage of Bundesliga clubs conduct overseas preseason tours. (Jan‑Christian Dreesen)
[● 5 SOURCES] During the 2026 World Cup, rumors circulated about Michael Olise transferring to Real Madrid. (rumor)
[● 5 SOURCES] Max Eberl, Bayern sporting director, said he kept regular contact with Michael Olise during the World Cup. (statement)
[● 5 SOURCES] Michael Olise prefers to keep his jersey number 17. (statement)
[● 5 SOURCES] Michael Olise declined the offer to change his jersey number to 11 at Bayern. (statement)
[● 5 SOURCES] The jersey number 11 became available after Nicolas Jackson returned to Chelsea. (statement)