As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the showcase of talent on the world stage. The Paris 2024 Olympic football tournament promises to highlight some of the most exciting young stars and established players. Among the top footballers to watch are rising talents from various countries who are expected to make a significant impact. From skillful forwards to dynamic midfielders, these Paris 2024 Olympic football stars are poised to captivate audiences with their exceptional skills and performances. As teams vie for gold, 5 best footballers will be central to their nations’ hopes of Olympic glory. Keep an eye on these emerging stars and seasoned pros as they take the field in Paris!
1. Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
One of the standout names heading into the Paris Olympics is Julian Alvarez. The 22-year-old forward has garnered attention for his performances with Manchester City, where he contributed to an impressive haul of trophies, helping the team secure the Premier League title, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. His journey from River Plate to Manchester City has been marked by extraordinary talent and relentless determination.
Born in Calchin, Cordoba Province, Alvarez joined the Cityzens in 2022, but his rise to prominence began much earlier. He was already making waves with his performances in Argentina and earned a spot on the national team for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Now, after recently lifting the Copa America title on July 14, 2024, Alvarez is eager to add an Olympic gold medal to his growing list of achievements. His scoring ability, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic make him a player that fans and analysts alike are looking forward to watching in Paris.
2. Michael Olise (France)
Another name to watch closely is Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace forward, known for his speed and technical skill, has recently made headlines with a transfer to Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s premier football clubs. At just 22 years of age, Olise’s journey began in London, where he was first scouted by Arsenal at the tender age of nine. After several seasons with youth teams at top clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City, he eventually landed his first professional contract with Reading.
Olise’s transition to Crystal Palace has proven fruitful, wherein he has demonstrated his potential by stepping into the spotlight, often drawing comparisons to the legendary Wilfried Zaha. His performance at the club level has resulted in a reported transfer move worth around $65 million to Bayern Munich, emphasizing his rising status in football. Born to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, Olise will be representing France in Paris, and his creative flair and attacking prowess will be pivotal for the French squad.
3. Thiago Almada (Argentina)
Thiago Almada is another young star whose name is likely to echo throughout the tournament. The 23-year-old midfielder has shown immense promise, especially after clinching the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in 2022 while playing for Atlanta United. His skills and agility have impressed fans and pundits, and he is also among the few active MLS players to have won a World Cup, having participated in Argentina’s thrilling victory against France in the Qatar 2022 final.
Following his MLS success, Almada made a shocking move back to Brazil to play for Botafogo, with an eye on possibly transitioning to European football soon. His anticipated transfer to Lyon adds to the buzz surrounding him. Almada’s dynamic style and vision on the field allow him to be a transformative player, and it is expected that he will play a crucial role for Argentina at the Olympics, aiming to complement the talents of Alvarez and lead the team to gold.
4. Jean-Philippe Mateta (France)
While France is known for its football talent, Jean-Philippe Mateta is an emerging name that could capture attention during the Olympics. The 27-year-old forward plays for Crystal Palace and has been making significant strides since joining the club. With a strong record in the Premier League, Mateta has showcased his scoring capability, netting 22 goals in just 41 starts.
Despite France’s initial hopes of featuring Antoine Griezmann in the squad, Mateta possesses the qualities necessary to step in and lead the line effectively. Having represented France through youth levels without yet gaining senior national team experience, the Olympics presents an ideal platform for Mateta to showcase his skills on an international stage. His chemistry with fellow team member Olise might prove to be valuable for the French side as they aim for success.
5. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
One of the standout surprises in the Olympic squads is the inclusion of Achraf Hakimi, the world-class defender and World Cup semifinalist with Morocco. At just 25 years of age, Hakimi has already built an illustrious career, having played for elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. His speed on the flanks and dynamic play have made him one of the most sought-after defenders in football.
Hakimi was instrumental in leading Morocco to unprecedented heights during the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation to advance to a semifinal. The electrifying left-back’s inclusion into Morocco’s Olympic team will not only add strength to the defense but also bring attacking flair, making him an exceptional player to watch. As Morocco aims for another memorable run in international competitions, Hakimi’s experience on the global stage will be invaluable.
Conclusion
With each of these young footballers poised to make their mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics, anticipation for the tournament is at an all-time high. From Julian Alvarez’s determination to expand his already impressive trophy cabinet to Michael Olise’s explosive rise in European football, fans are sure to witness an exhilarating display of talent. While the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on established stars within international squads, it is often the younger players who seize the moment and capture the imagination of fans worldwide. Whether it be through dramatic goals, breathtaking assists, or even resilient defensive performances, these players have the potential to leave an indelible legacy in Olympic history. As the tournament approaches, it will be thrilling to see how these talents evolve on one of the grandest stages in sport and whether they can lead their respective teams toward Olympic glory. The Paris 2024 Olympics is not merely about medals; it is about showcasing the essence of sportsmanship, passion, and the spirit of competition, with these five players embodying the potential for greatness in the beautiful game.
