Which male soccer superstars are playing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris?

As the title quite rightly suggests, the football never stops. Not ever. The end of the European season was quickly followed up by the Euros, all while MLS and Copa América overlapped in spectacular fashion. Now we have got Leagues Cup storming in and taking the limelight, but at least the Olympic Games give us some respite from ‘the beautiful game’, right?

Wrong. We’ve got more football on the way and it’s starting even earlier than the Olympic Opening ceremony: that’s how jam-packed the calendar is. And then European pre-season before the 24/25 seas- breathe!

So, as we dive into the football at the Olympic Games, AS USA have taken a look at the top talents in the favourite squad to win gold and have put together a handy guide on who to keep an eye on in Paris. You’ll surely recognise a few names, but there could be some hidden gems that make an appearance.

Spain

· Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, centre-back): the defender emerged onto the scene in the second half of the LaLiga 23/24 season and as soon as he stepped onto the Montjuïc pitch, it looked as though he had played their all his life. The youngster, at just 17 years-old, brings a sense of calmness, maturity and security way beyond his age suggests and is set to be a top talent for the future.

· Samu Omorodion (Atlético Madrid, striker): a thundering centre-forward, Samu spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alavés, where he scored 9 goals. Now back at Atlético Madrid, he’s set to have an impact in Cholo Simeone’s side that are now without Álvaro Morata. The striker is fast, direct, hugely powerful and had defenders on toast all season in Spain’s top division, so expect him to also find some Olympic defences a piece of cake.

· Pablo Barrios (Atlético Madrid, midfielder): another Atlético Madrid player, Barrios is a holding midfielder that in a flash of light and a puff of smoke can advance up the pitch and play a role closer to goal. He’s clearly still young and raw, but in a season he has come on leaps and bounds and has won the confidence of Simeone, not an easy task. Keep an eye on him in Spain’s midfield as he’s bound to be pulling the strings.

Notable mentions: Joan García (Espanyol, goalkeeper), Aimar Oroz (Osasuna, midfielder), Beñat Turrientes (Real Sociedad, midfielder)

Argentina

· Julián Álvarez: (Manchester City, striker) the standout name at the tournament, perhaps. It’s almost too easy to suggest that the World Cup-winning Manchester City striker is a player to keep an eye on, but I don’t care, he’s brilliant. The player struck up a wonderful partnership with Leo Messi at the 2022 World Cup and kept Lautaro Martínez out of the team that won the tournament. For City, he’s shone when on the pitch, but getting past Errling Haaland in the pecking order is no walk in the park.

· Thiago Almada (Botafogo, midfielder): the Botafogo talent did, at times, make MLS look like a youth competition, as he has swung free-kicks in from all angles, provided mind-bending passes and scored *chef’s kiss* goals for what feels like years. Almada will undoubtedly be controlling things for La Albiceleste behind the striker and could well be the key factor in a side that is brimming with top talent.

· Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City/River Plate, midfielder): the ex-River Plate player signed for Manchester City last year before being loaned back to Argentina. The 18-year-old midfielder was on the transfer list of many of Europe’s top clubs, but ultimately chose Pep Guardiola’s side. His immense technical ability coupled with his direct approach to playing football earned him the nickname of ‘El Diablito’ in his home country.

Notable mentions: Ezequiel Fernández (Boca Juniors, midfielder), Gerónimo Rulli (Villarreal CF, goalkeeper)

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France

· Rayan Cherki (Lyon, midfielder): one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, Cherki has bossed Ligue 1 with Lyon and is set to do so in Paris at the Games. The technical attacking midfielder can twist his way out of a mousetrap, keep the ball at his feet under heavy shelling and he’s popped it through your legs before you have even tied your boots. He’ll most likely pop up on the right having cut inside on his left foot, and isn’t afraid to whip a venomous shot at the goalkeeper after doing so.

· Arnaud Kalimuendo (Stade Rennais, striker): powerful, fast and likes to drop deep, Kalimuendo is a manager’s dream. The attacker scored 15 goals in all competitions last season, as well as getting 5 assists, and has frequently been linked with moves to elite teams across the continent. He can pop up both centrally and on the wing, and taking the ball away from his huge frame will be a challenge for every defender at the tournament.

Notable mentions: Michael Olise (FC Bayern, midfielder)

Notable mentions from other squads: Abde Ezzalzouli (Morocco, winger), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, defender), Diego Gómez (Paraguay, midfielder), Julio Enciso (Paraguay, winger), Benjamin Cremaschi (USA, midfielder)