Paris Olympics: what to know and who to watch during the men’s football competition
- Argentina can put a golden exclamation point on a stunning three-year period in which they have won the Copa America twice, and the World Cup
The men’s football kicks off the Paris Olympics, with France taking on the United States next Wednesday. It finishes on August 9, two days before the closing ceremony.
With Lionel Messi opting out, and Kylian Mbappe also missing, the likes of young Argentina star Claudio Echeverri are among the ones to watch.
Whatever happens there will be a new winner, with defending champions Brazil failing to qualify. Here is everything you need to know about the men’s football.
Athletes to Watch
Bradley Barcola, France: one of host nation’s rising stars, Barcola joined Paris Saint-Germain last year as part of the club’s push for young, home-grown talent following the departures of icons like Messi and Neymar.
Mbappe’s exit this year should provide more room for the forward to establish himself as one of PSG’s biggest talents. The Olympics is an opportunity to showcase his ability to a wider audience.
Kevin Paredes, United States: the USA’s young player of the year in 2023 is gaining attention and has joined the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne by signing with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation sports agency. Capable of playing at left back or as a winger, the Wolfsburg player has already broken through to the United States’ senior national team.
Claudio Echeverri, Argentina: the 18-year-old’s potential has already been spotted by Manchester City, and he will complete a move to the Premier League team ahead of next season. An attacking midfielder, he helped Argentina reach the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup and could be one of the star players at the Olympics.
