Why is the men’s Olympic soccer tournament for under-23s?

The men’s soccer tournament at the Olympics operates under a unique structure that sets it apart from other major international competitions. Unlike the FIFA World Cup, where the best players of all ages compete, the men’s Olympic soccer tournament is predominantly an under-23 event.

This distinctive format was set up specially so that the Olympic tournament would not overshadow the FIFA competition. It is very important to understand that the soccer tournament at the Olympics operates in a separate way from the soccer governing body, FIFA. This implies that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) oversees the preparation and rules, having reached an agreement with FIFA to establish an event specifically for players under the age of 23. In the beginning, the only rule was an amateur rule, but in 1992, FIFA and the IOC introduced the under-23 rule.

How does the under-23 rule for soccer at the Olympics work?

The under-23 rule stipulates that participating teams can field players who are 23 years old or younger, with the exception of three overage players per squad. This lets teams combine world-class players with young talent.

The under-23 format has had a significant impact on both players and teams. For young players, the Olympics can be a career-defining experience. Many stars, such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Carlos Tevez, have made their mark at the Olympics before achieving outstanding success at the club and senior international levels.

By providing a platform for younger players, the competition has distinguished itself from those organized by FIFA. For many, this competition has become probably the second most important tournament for national teams aside from the World Cup. Naturally, disregarding the continental competitions.