The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games are just around the corner, and soccer fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the most prestigious event in the realm of global sports. Taking place from July 24^th to August 10^th, the Games promise to deliver an exciting spectacle where top teams around the world will all come together to celebrate talent, culture, and unity. The women’s and men’s football competitions will feature 12 of the best nations in the international game, some of the best soccer players in action, and thousands of fans cheering on their favourite teams at stadiums across mainland France. As anticipation builds for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, let’s dive into everything you need to know so you don’t miss a single moment of soccer history in the making!

History

Among the wide range of sports included in the Olympic Games, soccer, or football as it’s known in most parts of the world, stands out as a foundation of the competition, attracting millions of fans around the world. Men’s soccer made its first Olympic debut at the 1900 Games in Paris, where Great Britain won the first gold medal. The sport was included in the competition ever since, excluding the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles over a dispute between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA. Unlike the World Cup, the Olympic Games are not an official FIFA event, and clubs thus aren’t required to let players attend. Women’s football was introduced as an Olympic sport at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. The U.S. won the first gold medal and became the dominant team, winning in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Since its introduction in 1900, Olympic soccer has become one of the most popular sports at the Games, providing a platform for rising stars and legends to showcase their talent on a global scale. The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games is a monumental event as it marks the return of soccer to the city where it all began in 1900!

Competition & Format

The soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games features both men’s and women’s competitions, each showcasing the best players from their respective nations. Women's soccer action at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 takes place from July 25^th to August 10^th. Olympic women's squads can consist of players of any age, which is different to the men's competition. Coaches for the women's event have selected a roster of 18 players, with four alternative options available in the event of an injury or illness.

Men’s soccer action at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 takes place from July 24^th to August 9^th. Olympic men’s squads must consist of players under the age of 23, with three overage players allowed as part of the 18-man squads, which will be an unpredictable event to behold!

Check out the full Paris 2024 Football schedule here. 

Biggest Stars to Watch

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games is set to showcase some of the biggest names in the world of soccer battling for a chance to write history and win gold for their nation. Both the men’s and women’s teams have a roster of talented players to watch out for in this year’s tournament. The men’s soccer tournament promises an exciting line-up of talented players under the age of 23, with 3 overage players per team all vying for that gold medal. Hosts France will be led by captain Alexandre Lacazette, who will represent his nation for the first time in 7 years where he has the chance of playing at his home stadium if France reaches the semifinals. There’ll also be 4 men’s FIFA World Cup winners at Paris 2024 with Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, Geronimo Rulli and Thiago Almada. Champions League winner, Naby Kieta will be captaining Guinea in the Games, marking the nation’s first time back competing in the Olympics since 1968.

The women’s soccer competition is packed with the biggest stars of the beautiful game, featuring defending FIFA World Cup champions Spain, the United States, Germany, and Brazil among others. The 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games will mark the final competition for one of the most legendary names in soccer: Marta. To her fans’ dismay, Marta is set to play her 6^th Olympic Games before retiring for good at the end of the year. She’s already the first soccer player to score in 5 consecutive games, so we expect Marta to continue her streak and go out with a bang in the upcoming matches. Spain’s squad features 15 women’s World Cup winners, including Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati, and Salma Paralluelo. There are also legendary names like Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes, as well as Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 World Cup final against England. Zambia’s squad features Racheal Kundananji, the most expensive women’s footballer in the world. Finally, Host France has an arsenal of talent at the ready with Wendie Renard leading the squad, featuring Eugenie Le Sommer, Amandine Henry and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Will this be the host nation’s first time winning the Olympic women’s gold medal in 28 years? We’ll have to wait and see!

Stay tuned for more updates and information on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games soccer event. Get ready to witness the world's top nations and players compete for glory on the grandest stage of them all. In the meantime, check out our wide selection of team merch to show off your team pride in this summer’s Games!