(Credit - Fox Sports)
This year, football is elite at the Olympics!
The Paris Olympics 2024 are just around the corner, and football teams from around the world will be vying for the gold medal. Brazil, having won back-to-back golds at Tokyo 2020 by defeating Spain in the final, will face stiff competition this time around. Argentina, in particular, is emerging as a strong favorite. With a blend of young talent and seasoned players, the upcoming Olympics are set to showcase many stars aiming to propel their teams deep into the tournament. In this article, we highlight the top five footballers to watch at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
With Olise also named in the French squad, both players will aim to leverage their Premier League chemistry for the national team. Mateta, who joined Crystal Palace from Mainz in 2022, is a former French junior representative but has yet to debut for the senior team. Since his permanent move to Selhurst Park, the 27-year-old—who was previously associated with the Democratic Republic of the Congo before becoming a French citizen—has impressed with 22 Premier League goals in 41 appearances for Palace. His strong form and experience will be key assets as he seeks to make his mark on the international stage.
Nicolas Otamendi has been a cornerstone for Argentina ever since his national team debut. At 36, he played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphs in the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. As the Olympics approach, Otamendi’s experience will be invaluable for Argentina’s defense. The former Manchester City defender brings a wealth of experience to the backline and will aim to lead the South American giants to their first Olympic gold medal since 2008. His leadership and defensive skills will be key as Argentina seeks to make history on the world stage.
Achraf Hakimi, the star right-back for PSG and the Morocco national team, has been named to the squad for the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. Hakimi made headlines by leading the Atlas Lions to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco was one of the tournament’s standout teams. At just 25, Hakimi has already achieved a remarkable club career, starting at Real Madrid Academy and now excelling with Ligue 1 side PSG. His presence at the Olympics will be pivotal as Morocco aims to build on their World Cup success and make a strong statement on the Olympic stage.
The 22-year-old attacker was first spotted by Arsenal at the age of nine while living in London. After spending eight years in the youth systems of Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, he signed his first professional contract with Reading, then in the English second division. Olise has since made a mark in both the EFL Championship and the Premier League with his impressive performances. The right-winger has now made a high-profile move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in the current transfer window, marking a new chapter in his rapidly ascending career.
Olise is expected to guide the Three Lions
The standout player of the tournament is undoubtedly Julián Álvarez, the forward for Manchester City. The 24-year-old had an exceptional season, helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure a record-setting fourth consecutive Premier League title. This success followed City’s five-title haul in 2023 during Álvarez’s debut season, which included victories in the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the Premier League. Álvarez also played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup win and their Copa America triumph in 2024. His stellar performances at both club and international levels highlight his remarkable talent and impact on the game.
The Olympics remain one of the greatest stages to show a footballer's skill on an international level!
