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Top Names to Watch at Paris 2024 Olympics: Messi, Marta, Lacazette, and More

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Exciting international football is set to continue at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The tournament will feature matches in seven cities across France, with the men’s and women’s finals taking place at Parc des Princes in Paris. While men’s squads consist of under-23 players with up to three overage players allowed, women’s squads have no age restrictions.

Some of the world’s biggest names in football have graced the Olympic Games over the years, and Paris 2024 promises to be no different. Let’s take a closer look at some of the players to watch out for at the tournament.

Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Fresh from their Copa America triumph, Argentina is considered the favorites to win the men’s gold medal in Paris. Among their three overage players is Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez. The 24-year-old had an impressive season, scoring 11 goals in 36 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side as they won their fourth successive Premier League title. Alvarez’s commitment to the Olympics means he will miss City’s pre-season tour of the United States and the Community Shield match against Manchester United.

Marta (Brazil)
Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Marta, will bid farewell to international football after captaining her country in Paris. The 38-year-old is determined to end her international career on a high note by winning the gold medal. Marta made history in Tokyo by becoming the first footballer to score in five consecutive Olympic Games. With her experience and goal-scoring prowess, she remains a key player for Brazil.

Alexandre Lacazette (France)
Thierry Henry has chosen Alexandre Lacazette to captain France at their home Games. Lacazette, who last played for his country in 2017, had a successful season with Lyon, scoring 22 goals in 35 games. The 33-year-old is eager to win a medal on home soil and is motivated by the opportunity to play in front of his home fans. France’s squad also includes Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, the only Premier League player in the team.

Aitana Bonmati (Spain)
Spain’s women’s team heads to Paris as one of the favorites, having never participated in the Olympics before. A player to watch out for is Aitana Bonmati, known for her ability to shine in big moments. After winning the Nations League with Spain and securing a quadruple with Barcelona this season, the 26-year-old will be looking to add an Olympic gold medal to her collection.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi has been cleared to represent Morocco at the Olympics, meaning he will miss Paris St-Germain’s pre-season preparations. The 25-year-old will lead the Atlas Lions in their quest for a spot in the final at Parc des Princes. Morocco qualified for Paris 2024 by winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and Hakimi will be hoping to make a significant impact at the tournament.

Wendie Renard (France)
Legendary defender Wendie Renard has been chosen as France’s captain for the home Olympics. The Lyon defender, who has 160 caps for her country, will represent France at her third Games. Despite her impressive international career, Renard is yet to win a major honor for her country. With a strong squad that includes Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Grace Geyoro, and Eugenie Le Sommer, France aims to secure a place on the podium.

Fermin Lopez (Spain)
Fermin Lopez is one of two players from Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad heading to the Olympics. The 21-year-old winger had a breakout season in La Liga, scoring 11 goals in all competitions for Barcelona. Alongside his Barcelona teammates Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia, Lopez is looking to make history by becoming one of the first outfield players to win both the Euros and Olympic gold in the same summer.

Linda Caicedo (Colombia)
At just 19 years old, Linda Caicedo is already recognized as one of the best prospects in women’s football. The Real Madrid forward made a name for herself during the 2023 World Cup, scoring a wonder goal against Germany in the group stage. Caicedo’s performance earned her a nomination for the Puskas award for the best goal of the tournament. She will also represent Colombia at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup on home soil later in August.

Naby Keita (Guinea)
Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will captain Guinea as they make only their second appearance at an Olympics. Keita had a challenging season in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, playing only five times due to injury and suspension. The 29-year-old will be aiming to make a significant impact at the Games and add to his tally of 11 goals for his country.

Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Barbra Banda, who joined Orlando Pride from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli in March, is one of the most exciting players heading to Paris. The 24-year-old forward made history in Tokyo by becoming the first player ever to score back-to-back hat-tricks in Olympic history. Banda’s impressive performances and goal-scoring ability make her a key player for Zambia as they aim to make an impact at the Games.

As the Olympic Games in Paris approach, football fans can look forward to witnessing some of the world’s biggest names competing on the international stage. These players, along with their talented teammates, will undoubtedly deliver an exciting and memorable tournament.

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