The Olympic football tournaments are divided in their prestige. While all the best in women strive to participate, in men there are only a few superstars.
For a very long time, the Olympic football tournament has been in a lesser position on the men’s side compared to the sport’s World Cup and continental championship tournaments. On the women’s side, on the other hand, it enjoys a strong appreciation.
However, the superstars of the sport also get lost among the men, as three over-age players are allowed to play in teams formed mainly from under 23-year-olds. It has been seen on the field in the Olympic tournaments over the years Lionel Messi’s, Ronaldinho and Neymar’s like the big names in the sport.
There are no such age restrictions for women. At the Paris Olympics, the best female soccer players will be seen on the field again.
The Olympic football tournament kicks off the Paris Games early on Wednesday. In this story, Urheilu presents the biggest names in this summer’s Olympic football.
Aitana Bonmati, Spain
Spain is playing in the women’s tournament for the first time at the Olympics. However, the reigning women’s world champion La Roja is one of the biggest early favorites for the tournament.
Fence Bonmati is the head coach Montse Tomen the biggest name on the star-studded team. Chosen as the world’s best women’s soccer player, the FC Barcelona superstar dominates the field with her versatility. A Spanish legend Andres Iniesta compared Bonmati has become known for his uncompromising attitude with which he pushes his teammates forward.
Marta, Brazil
Through the Brazilian women’s national team, the all-time top scorer is a living legend. Marta ends his long national team career in Paris, aiming to skipper the yellow shirts to Olympic gold. The two-time silver medalist longs for a chance at the highest podium at the age of 38.
At the last summer’s games in Tokyo, Marta became the first soccer player in history to score in five different Olympics.
Linda Caicedo, Colombia
Colombian Linda Caicedo became the focus of the soccer world’s eyes during the summer 2023 World Cup. Only 18 years old at the time, Caicedo scored as the second youngest South American in history, ahead only of the previously mentioned legendary Marta.
The hit was from the most beautiful end, because it was chosen as the most amazing of the tournament and was nominated for the best hit of the football season, i.e. a candidate for the Puskas award. Now 19-year-old Caicedo stars in the club team Real Madrid and is the face of the growth of women’s soccer in her home country.
Julian Alvarez, Argentina
When one value tournament in the same summer is not enough. Argentina Julian Alvarez just a moment ago lifted the winner’s trophy of the South American championship tournament Copa America. Now he has traveled to France with his champion teammates Nicolas Otamendi and Geronimo Rullin with La Albiceleste to claim the third Olympic gold medal bundle in its history.
The attacking threat who represents Manchester City in the club team is the most famous player in his team. Alvarez’s balance is only matched by personal achievements by the head coach of the Olympic team Javier Mascherano.
Achraf Hakimi, Morocco
Morocco were the bright spots of the 2022 winter men’s World Cup. As the first African team ever to reach the top four, the Atlas Lions surprised those who followed the games.
Now the greatest favorite of Moroccans, the superstar of the men’s national team Achraf Hakimi utilize his current club team in joining the Olympic team. The winger, who earns his salary in Paris Saint-Germain, decided to go to the Olympics held in his hometown. Morocco will also travel with a strong squad, having earned their place in the men’s tournament by winning the most recent African Under-23 Championship tournament.
Alexandre Lacazette, France
When Javier Mascherano coaches Argentina after his famous playing career, there is an even bigger football name in front of the French bench. Thierry Henry works as the head coach of the Olympic hosts when the team is looking for Olympic gold in the domestic chamber.
One of Henry’s first decisions was to choose a captain. He gave the tape to the 33-year-old For Alexandre Lacazette. The Olympique Lyonnais striker has not represented France at national team level since 2017. However, his 22 goals for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season and France’s domestic competition were an irresistible combination.
Lacazette is the biggest name in the home team. Especially after dreaming about the Games Kylian Mbappe had to withdraw from the Olympics. Mbappe’s new club Real Madrid did not want any of their men’s national team players to participate in the Olympic football tournament.