Top footballers to watch out for at Paris Olympics

Just a day remains before Football in Paris Olympics kick off. In men’s football, the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are heavyweights and tipped to take the gold. On the other hand, all eyes will be on Brazil who will be keen to grab their first bite at the yellow medal in women’s football. Interestingly, there is a huge interest on some of the starts like Julian Alvarez, Achraf Hakimi and Marta to showcase their magic in Paris.

Men’s football take center stage in Paris with Uzbekistan taking on Spain in the opening game of the tournament. Fermin Lopez will grab attention as he plays for La Roja after winning the recently concluded UEFA Euro Cup 2024. For Men’s U23 squad will play with provision of 3 above age players. In Women’s football there is however no such rules.

Julian Alvarez – Argentina

For La Albiceleste, Julian Alvarez is one of the above aged players to take part in the tournament. Already a star with Manchester City, the 24 year old forward has quite a few accolades to his name. From winning the Premier League, to UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup 2022, Alvarez has a glittering career so far.

And now his next target to tick off from the list is the Olympics gold. Argentina last won the gold in Beijing 2008 and Alvarez will be on the key players for his side to go all the distance.

Achraf Hakimi – Morocco

The Monaco and PSG star is also one of the stars who will be expected to dazzle in Paris. Hakimi and Morocco’s highlights in the FIFA World Cup 2022, makes them one of the dark horses of the tournament. The 25 year old Madrid born player has already won the Champions League with Real Madrid, Seria A with AC Milan and Ligue 1 with PSG.

Hakimi already has 77 caps for Morocco. Thus it is without a doubt that his side will greatly bank on 25-year old wing back in their pursuit for gold.

Alexandre Lacazette – France

Hosts France are also one of the favourites to lift the gold. And that is mainly owing to their highly experienced captain and campaigner Alexandre Lacazette. Despite having not played for Les Bleus since 2017, he has been picked by Thierry Henry to spearhead France’s attack.

Marta – Brazil

Marta is a name that is synonymous with Women’s football and Brazil. The 38-year old Legend of the game is set to call it ends to her illustrious career after the conclusion of Paris Olympics 2024. Holding the record of being the only footballer to score in 5 straight games in Olympics, Marta now targets gold.

Previously, in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 she had to be contented with the silver. As Brazil target their first ever gold in women’s football in Olympics, it would be a perfect send off for Marta if she can pull it off in her last dance.

Aitana Bonmati – Spain

Aitana Bonmati is now one of the biggest stars in Women’s football. From winning the quadruple with Barcelona last season and already 2 medals for Spain, she is there for the taking. But now, the next target for the 26-year-old midfielder is the gold in Paris Olympics.

Spain who have never won the gold in Women’s football in Olympics will hugely bank on their ace superstar. With the Nations League and the FIFA Women’s World Cup already under her belt, the gold at the Paris Olympics can very much be the next feather in the cap for Bonmati.