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OLYMPIC GAMES

Who are the top scorers in the history of Olympic soccer?

Both men's and women's football competitions are underway at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with Brazil and Germany the reigning Rio 2016 gold medal holders.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Soccer Football - Men - Group B - Honduras v Romania - Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, Ibaraki, Japan - July 22, 2021. Players from both teams walk out before the match REUTERS/Henry Romero
HENRY ROMEROREUTERS

Despite the official opening ceremony for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games not getting underway until 23 July, given the amount of matches involved in the Games, both men's and women's football competitions got underway days ahead of the opening ceremony.

Germany and Brazil were gold medal winners in the women's and men's Rio de Janeiro 2016 finals and the German's failed to qualify for Tokyo to defend their title with Brazil opening their campaign with a win over the German men's side.

CHOFU, JAPAN - JULY 21: Megan Rapinoe #15 of Team United States warms up prior to the Women's First Round Group G match between Sweden and United States during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Stadium on July 21, 2021 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo b
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CHOFU, JAPAN - JULY 21: Megan Rapinoe #15 of Team United States warms up prior to the Women's First Round Group G match between Sweden and United States during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Stadium on July 21, 2021 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo bDan MullanGetty Images

Top Olympic scorers (men's)

In men's football the top Olympic are scorers are Denmark's Sophus Nielsen and Hungary's Antal Dunai who have both bagged 13 Olympic goals.

The Dane recorded his scoring feat in two Olympic Games (London 1908 and Stockholm 1912). Nielsen's feat is somewhat distorted given that in one game alone he managed to find the target ten times (vs. France as part of a 17-1 win). He helped his Danish side to two silver medals in both London and Stockholm.

Dunai's 13 goals for the 'Magyar's over three Olympic Games (Tokyo 1964, Mexico City 1968 and Munich 72) helped propel his side to a gold in 68 and a silver in Germany. After hanging up his boots Dunai spent considerable time managing in Spain overseeing the likes of Real Betis, Castellon, Xerez and Real Murcia.

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Top Olympic scorers (women's)

Cristiane Rozeira de Souza Silva has the accolade of playing at five World Cup's and four Olympic Games for the Seleçao, she also holds the honour of being top scorer in Olympic football history with 14 goals.

Her goals helped Brazil to Olympic silvers in 2004 (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing). The 36-year-old is still in action playing for Santos in her native Brazil but was omitted from the Brazil squad for Tokyo.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Soccer Football - Women - Group F - China v Brazil - Miyagi Stadium, Miyagi, Japan - July 21, 2021. Marta of Brazil scores their third goal REUTERS/Molly Darlington
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Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Soccer Football - Women - Group F - China v Brazil - Miyagi Stadium, Miyagi, Japan - July 21, 2021. Marta of Brazil scores their third goal REUTERS/Molly DarlingtonMOLLY DARLINGTONREUTERS

Cristiane's record however is under threat from compatriot Marta Vieira da Silva. The 35-year-old Marta bagged a brace in Brazil's 5-0 over China and this double moved to her to 12 Olympic goals. Marta scored her first Olympic goal at Athens 2004 and will fancy her chances of becoming new top scorer with Brazil still to face Netherlands and Zambia in Tokyo in the group stage.