The 2024 Olympics in Paris will be a real spectacle, most especially in the football event, with freshest and well-aged talents in action.
With the tournament set to kick off on July 26, 2024 till August 11, here are the top ten footballers to watch out for:
Jean-Philippe Mateta (France)
One of France’s overage players, Jean-Philippe Mateta, is primed to be one of the stars at the Olympics. The 27-year-old striker was very clinical in his finishing in the Premier League last season and a robust player, showing his physicality with 16 goals and five assists for Crystal Palace.
Mateta has never had the chance to play for the senior team of France, but he did represent the nation at various youth levels. Known for his strength and aerial ability, Mateta’s goal-scoring acumen can prove to be vital for France’s aspirations at the Olympics.
Michael Olise (France)
Another French talent who will make a big difference at the Olympics will be Michael Olise. The new Bayern Munich man is a versatile winger who has the ability to create chances with his dribbling and vision, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists for Crystal Palace last season.
Olise’s versatility, allowing him to play across midfield and forward lines, makes him an important tool in the French camp. His creativity and technical ability will be required if France are to go all the way in the Olympics. He is definitely among top footballers to watch out for at the 2024 Olympics.
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Manchester City’s forward Julian Alvarez has already made waves in European football. At only 24, Alvarez has won every competition he has competed in: pace, agility, a striker with a penchant for being in the right place. He scored 19 and made 13 assists across all competitions last season for Manchester City.
Alvarez was instrumental in Argentina’s victory in the 2024 Copa America scoring 2 goals in the tournament. His versatility helps him excel both as a central striker and on the wings. With the ability to rise to the occasion, Alvarez will definitely be one of the stars footballers to watch out for at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Achraf Hakimi- Morocco
Achraf Hakimi is certainly one of the most electrifying defenders in world football at the moment. A proper Moroccan right-back, blessed with express pace, excellent crossing, and defensive solidity. His experience for top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and his international pedigree will be priceless for Morocco.
How he can contribute both to their defense and offense could become critical in the campaign of Morocco, and his performances could turn attention on him to even more top European clubs. He is one of the footballers to watch out for at the 2024 Olympics.
Thiago Almada (Argentina)
Thiago Almada has made a name for himself as an inventive midfielder from Major League Soccer. This Argentine playmaker has a very good vision, dribbling, and the ability to score. The 23-year-old Almada was named in the Argentina World Cup-winning side in 2022.
His creativity and technical skills were important for the Argentina midfield, linking them up in defence and attack. Almada’s vision in passing can unlock defenses, so this Argentine midfielder is one to watch in Paris.
Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
Pau Cubarsi is also on of the top footballers to watch out for in the 2024 Olympics. The young Spanish defender, who burst onto the scene in the 2023-2024 season with Barcelona, will be ready leave his mark in the tournament. He lies at the heart of Spain’s defense.
Although he wasn’t picked by Spain for their Euro 2024 team, his composure under pressure and the ability to start attacks from behind will make him pivotal for Spain Olympics squad. Performances at the Olympics could cement his reputation as one of the brightest young defenders in football.
Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)
Nicolas Otamendi is the most seasoned of players in the Argentine contingent. His reputation as a hard tackler and leader is already well-etched, as he has won the FIFA World Cup and Copa America with Argentina.
Otamendi will be vital in the backline for Argentina, providing stability and leadership to the younger players. He has top European league experience and the main stage of international events that will come in handy with defensive acumen; this will be paramount to the success Argentina attains.
Alexandre Lacazette (France)
Alexandre Lacazette is one of the overage set for the 2024 Olympics. The addition of the former Arsenal man brings a great deal of experience and goals to the French squad. The veteran striker has proved himself in the Premier League and Ligue 1.
He scored 22 times in all competitions last term and will bring a good wealth of experience for France. His leadership both on and off the pitch will also come in handy for the younger players in the team.
Warren Zaire-Emery (France)
Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the most exciting midfield prospects in the world and French football at this moment. The midfielder is known for his ability to maintain balance and control the midfield with great vision, and retain calm on the ball.
Zaire-Emery was impressive for Paris Saint-Germain last season and was called up for the Euro 2024 France squad. Although he did not make any appearance in Euro 2024, the 18 year old’s maturity and ability to control the pace of the game will make him a key man for France at the Olympics.
Bradley Barcola (France)
Another big French talent that may be the difference-maker at the Olympics is Bradley Barcola. The winger is explosive, skillful dribbling, and has an ability to come up with goals. Barcola’s brilliant performance for Lyon was enough to get him a move to French giant, PSG. The 21-year-old scored five goals and made nine assists last season to get his first call up to a major tournament – Euro 2024 – with France.
He featured three times, including in the semi-final, where France was beaten by Spain who eventually won the tournament. What makes him so important to the French team is his capacity to lengthen defences and fashion out scoring chances.
