Young Football Stars to Shine at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Olympic Games offer a vibrant platform for young football talents to showcase their skills to the world, and the 2024 event in Paris is no exception. With teams mainly comprised of under-23 players, including three overage players, the tournament is set to spotlight the next generation of football stars.

Spain‘s squad boasts some exciting prospects, including Fermin Lopez, who has recently made a mark at FC Barcelona as a technical winger. Alex Baena from Villarreal adds valuable LaLiga experience to the team. Additionally, Spain’s goalkeepers, Joan Garcia from Espanyol and Arnau Tenas from Paris-Saint Germain, add depth to the squad.

Host nation France has a reputation for producing incredible youth talent, particularly in the attacking positions. Michael Olise stands out, having just completed a successful Premier League season and now heading to Bayern Munich. Rayan Cherki, a 20-year-old talent from Olympique Lyonnais, is also expected to shine on home soil.

The United States team is back in Olympic football for the first time since 2008, just ahead of their home World Cup in 2026. Midfielder Gianluca Busio, who plays for Serie A’s Venezia, is a player to watch, along with goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, who is on loan from Chelsea. Forward Taylor Booth also brings excitement to the team.

Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup and Copa America champions, are in pursuit of a gold medal. Head coach Javier Mascherano has selected four World Cup winners for the squad. Among them is Thiago Almada, who has recently joined Brazilian club Botafogo after a strong season in MLS.

Olympic football will kick off on July 24, with matches being held in various cities across France. With a total of 16 nations competing, fans can expect to see some of the best young players make their mark on the international stage.

While there will be no Team GB football teams participating this year due to historical challenges in forming a unified team, the competition promises to be dominated by nations from Africa and Latin America, with Brazil as strong contenders following their recent victories in Rio and Tokyo.

The extensive coverage of the matches will ensure fans won’t miss a moment, with discovery+ streaming every match live. Several games will also be broadcasted on BBC, making it accessible for many viewers.