Footballers to keep an eye on
In the women’s competition, four-time Olympic champions the USA will always be among the favourites. Megan Rapinoe, one of the biggest names in world football, will be 39 by the time of Paris 2024 and in search of a second gold medal at the Games.
Canada are the reigning Olympic champions and will be aiming to defend their title at the next Games, while Brazil will be without legends of the past such as Formiga – an ever-present at the Games since Atlanta 1996 – but will still have strength in their ranks, including forwards Bia Zaneratto and Debinha.
In Europe, Tokyo silver medallists Sweden are second in the FIFA rankings and will count on the leadership of Emma Blackstenius as they aim to qualify for another edition of the Games. Spain have Alexia Putellas, the 2021 UEFA European Women’s Football of the Year among their roster, while third-ranked France will have the support of a nation behind them as they play in their home Olympic Games.
In the men’s competition, Brazil are reigning Fifa Under 17 World Champions and will be aiming for a third consecutive Olympic triumph. Host nation France’s Arnaud Kalimuendo also starred in the Under 17 tournament scoring five goals which he followed up with 12 goals for his club side Lens last season. And who can forget Kylian Mbappe, the global superstar who has professed his wish to play in the Paris Games.
For Italy, keep an eye on Wilfried Gnonto who scored three times at the Under 17 World Cup. He also scored five goals from 10 games in a championship run with club side Zurich and was part of the squad during the UEFA Nations League tournament, assisting a goal against Germany.