Olympic 2024: Five Footballers to Watch Out For at the Paris Olympics

The much-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games are here, and football lovers worldwide will have the opportunity to watch some exciting, talented, and experienced players participate in the 2024 Olympics in soccer for men following the end of the Euro 2024 and Copa America. The Olympic football competition is set to kick off on Wednesday across seven French cities, and top players like Alexandre Lacazette (France), Julian Alvarez (Argentina), Abel Ruiz (Spain), and many more are set to participate in the event. Here in this article, we will consider the top five footballers to watch out for during the Paris Olympics. You can claim 2024 Olympics betting bonuses by clicking on the green button below in this article and registering an account with them. 

Julian Alvarez has been included in Argentina's squad as one of their three permitted over-23 players following Argentina's recent success at the 2024 Copa America, as they became the only successful team to have won the trophy for a record of 16 times. The 24-year-old forward played in five of Argentina's six matches en route to a successful defense of their Copa America title, and he scored two goals during the tournament. The Manchester City forward scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side last season as they won their fourth successive Premier League title. He will surely be a key player in Argentina’s gold medal aspirations.

Michael Olise had an impactful 2023–24 season in the Premier League for his former club Crystal Palace before moving to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the ongoing transfer window. Despite not being called up by Didier Deschamps in the just-concluded Euro 2024 tournament, he was named as one of France's three permitted over-23 players by legendary head coach Thiery Henry. Michael Olise banged 10 goals and six assists for Crystal Palace in the 2023–24 season, and he should make an impact ahead of the new season. 

France U23 coach Thiery Henry has also selected Alexandre Lacazette to captain France at their home games. The Lyon forward hasn't participated for France since 2017, but Lacazette's outstanding performance in the 2023–24 Ligue 1 has earned his place in Thierry Henry's. Lacazette banged a total of 19 goals for Lyon and gave two assists, and he is expected to continue his great goal-scoring form in the Olympics. Alexandre Lacazette is considered the favorite to win the 2024 Olympics golden boot in Paris, with odds both in his favor and Julian Alvarez. 

Spain captain Abel Ruiz is another great talented player to watch out for during the Olympics football for men in Paris. He has been capped twice for Spain at the senior level and has grown in stature and maturity over the years, thanks to his international experience and his time with Barcelona and Braga. In his 30 appearances in the 2023–24 Liga Portugal for Braga, he scored six goals and gave two assists. Bookmakers have priced him as one of the great Golden Boot contenders in Paris. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta will once again play alongside Michael Olise for their nation, France after both players had brilliant performances in the 2023–24 season. The 27-year-old Crystal Palace forward, since making the permanent move to Selhurst Park, has scored an amazing 22 Premier League goals in 41 games so far for Palace. 

All odds are courtesy of Bet365, are accurate at the time of publication, and are subject to modification.