The men’s Olympic football tournament primarily features players under 23 years old, with each team allowed to include up to three overage players in their squad. As a result of this age restriction, countries in the tournament have to line up some of their best young talents to represent them. This is why, over the years, we’ve seen a repertoire of incredibly talented young footballers like Lionel Messi and Kun Aguero win the Olympics and then go on to enjoy significant success in their professional football careers.
The 2024 Paris Olympics once again featured some of the best young football talents worldwide. Since kicking off on July 24th, this tournament has treated us to some exciting football action from these groups of young, talented players.
This article takes a closer look at the top emerging football talents that have lighted up the 2024 Paris Olympics. Let’s dive right in!
Firmin Lopez (Spain)
Barçelona’s famed La Masia academy has a long history of developing exceptionally talented young players. And Firmin López is one of its latest products. The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder has been tearing it up at this year’s Olympics, delivering nothing short of a player of the tournament performance. So far, he’s scored four goals and delivered one assist, proving crucial for Spain’s progress to the finals.
The midfielder, who recently broke into Barcelona’s first team in the 23/24 La Liga season, only narrowly missed out on the Euros. As a 21-year-old young player just breaking into the first team, he was able to feature in over 43 matches, scoring 11 goals and one assist in the process. This impressive performance earned him a call-up and two caps with the Spanish national team. He even made it to Spain’s provisional squad for the Euros but was eventually dropped to make room for more experienced players.
Michael Olise (France)
Even before the Olympics, Michael Olise was already one of the most sought-after young players. The 22-year-old French right-winger attracted the attention of top teams like Chelsea, Manchester United, and City but opted to remain at Crystal Palace in the 2023/24 football season. He ended up recording a whopping 16 direct Premier League goal contributions in just 19 league games. He, however, wasn’t called up to the France Euro 2024 squad.
Considering France’s lackluster attacking play at the Euros, Olise could probably have made a significant impact, as he’s clearly doing in the Olympics. He’s consistently delivered standout attacking performances with 6 goal contributions in just five games. This has played a key role in getting France to the tournament final. Hopefully, he’ll finish his already incredible Olympic performance with a gold medal.
Regardless of the Olympics’ outcome, he’ll keep impressing the world with his incredible footballing talent. Next season, he’ll be showcasing his skills in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, having secured a €53 million transfer during the off-season.
Ibrahim Adel (Egypt)
Most experienced punters would not have wagered on Egypt reaching the semi-finals in the 2024 Olympics. However, they defied all odds to reach the stage for the first time in their history. Even in their loss against France in the semi-finals, the team showed the grit and determination with which they came to this tournament. They lost the game in extra time, defying the predictions of most bettors. You can click here to learn more about the betting predictions.
One player who played a major role in Egypt’s incredible performance was Ibrahim Adel. The 23-year-old left winger has recorded an impressive three goals, which ranks him fourth in the tournament’s top scorer chart.
Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
Pau Cubarsi is another incredible talent from Barçelona’s La Masia academy. At 17, the Spanish center-back is currently one of the youngest players at the Olympics, and he’s been very solid for Spain. Like Firmin Lopez, his brilliant age-defying performances for FC Barcelona in the 2023/24 season also earned a call-up and three caps with the Spain national team. He also made it to the Euros provisional squad list but was eventually dropped for more experienced players.
Pau Cubarsi was looking to win an Olympic gold medal with Spain as they battle it against France in the final on the 9th. Looking beyond the Olympics, he’s set to play a key role for Barcelona in the 2024/25 season, especially with Ronald Araujo, one of the starting defenders, currently sidelined for three months with an injury.
Alex Baena (Spain)
Alex Baena is another standout Spanish talent who’s been key to Spain’s impressive Olympics run. The 23-year-old Villarreal attacking midfielder was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad but only played in two matches. His limited role there led to his call-up for the Olympics.
Baena is one of the young Spanish talents that has been going under the radar for a while. The midfielder was crucial for Villarreal last season, recording 23 total goal contributions in 45 matches.
Conclusion
The 2024 Paris Olympics have showcased a remarkable collection of young footballing talents. Each of these standout players has displayed brilliant performances, significantly impacting their team’s progress in the tournament. Their extraordinary skill and potential promise a bright future for their respective clubs and national teams. And as the tournament concludes, all eyes will be on them to see how their careers unfold and if they can build on their Olympic successes.