Football officially began the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Tuesday, featuring 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain and reigning champions Argentina in the spotlight. Spain faced Uzbekistan at Parc des Princes in western Paris, while an Argentina team without Lionel Messi played against Morocco at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne.
Spain right-back Marc Pubill scored the first goal of the Summer Games in the 29th minute. FIFA president Gianni Infantino met the players before the match between Uzbekistan and Spain at Parc des Princes in Paris, the former home of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe. With football officially launching the action-packed Summer Olympics in Paris, let’s discuss some of the biggest names in world football who are set to compete for Olympic gold.
Brazil – Marta
Marta, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, will retire from international football after the Summer Games in Paris. The 38-year-old legend is captaining the Selecao at the Paris Games. Fun fact: Marta won a silver medal with Brazil at the 2004 Athens Games. She is also the first footballer to score in five consecutive Olympic Games.
Spain – Aitana Bonmati
Spain, the reigning world champions, are competing in the Paris Games. Superstar Aitana Bonmati, who won her first Ballon d’Or in 2023, is leading La Roja’s squad at the Summer Olympics. This marks the European giants’ debut in women’s football at the Summer Games in Paris. Since their historic win over England in the FIFA World Cup final, Spain has only lost twice in 14 matches.
Morocco – Achraf Hakimi
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi is a major name at the Summer Olympics. The 25-year-old played a key role in leading Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The former Real Madrid player has chosen to skip PSG’s pre-season preparations to compete in the Summer Games. Hakimi was transferred to PSG from Inter Milan in a deal valued at up to €70 million. This marks Morocco’s eighth appearance at the Olympics.
France – Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette is Thierry Henry’s choice to lead France in the Summer Games. The former Arsenal forward hasn’t played for France since 2017, but he scored 22 goals in 35 matches for Lyon last season. Lacazette is an overage player for the French national team at the Paris Games. The Gunners signed him from Lyon for a then-club record of £46.5m in 2017, under Arsène Wenger. After leaving Lyon, Lacazette rejoined the club five years later.
Argentina – Julian Alvarez
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has arrived in Paris following an exceptional season with Pep Guardiola’s team. The 22-year-old was part of Manchester City’s Premier League-winning squad. Last season, Alvarez’s Manchester City clinched an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. In addition to winning the Premier League, Alvarez also secured the Copa America with Messi’s team. Can Alvarez complete an unforgettable season with a historic Olympic gold in Paris?
