Five stars to watch out for in Paris 2024 Olympics

Julian Alvarez, Alex Baena, Michael Olise, Achraf Hakimi and Oscar Gloukh are among the stars of the men's Olympic football tournament in Paris 2024, which kicks off on 24th July.

As it is a tournament for those born from 2001 onwards, with three exceptions for the over-23s, and with the recent Euro and Copa America, the Olympic teams for the football tournament take on a different look to the other disciplines of the Olympic Games, but still boast outstanding footballers with high market value.

Julian Alvarez (Argentina)

The striker arrives in Paris after winning the Copa America with Argentina. Two goals in the six games he played, starting in the semi-final -goal- and final. He is the star of the 'Albiceleste' in search of his third Olympic gold to complete an immaculate summer for the country.

In the shadow of Erling Haaland at Manchester City as a No 9, but Pep Guardiola adapted the formation to give him more of a starring role. From the midfield, with freedom, he scored 19 goals and 13 assists last season. An important contribution, but his future is unknown, with the idea of being an undisputed starter as a striker for a big team.

Alex Baena (Spain)

He will make his Olympic Games debut 10 days after winning the European Championship with Spain. However, he only played 27 minutes and arrives with fresh legs to contribute from the first game.

A double international ticket for this summer that he earned thanks to a great season with Villarreal. Playing as a false winger -although in the Spanish national team he aims to play as a midfielder-, he provided 14 assists in La Liga EA Sports, more than any other player in the five main domestic competitions in Europe. In total, 18 assists and five goals for a key player in Santi Denia's plans.

Michael Olise (France)

Bayern Munich's big signing so far. The big star of a French national team that 'threatened' to go to the Olympics with names like Kylian Mbappé or Antonie Griezmann, among others, but in the end could not deliver.

Last season he managed a goal or assist every 80 minutes in the Premier League, playing for Crystal Palace. He is also in top form, with six goals and two assists in the last six games he has played, including two warm-up friendlies with France. His dribbling will be key to the success of Thierry Henry's team.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

He will be the leader of the Moroccan national team, which finished fourth at the last World Cup in Qatar. The right-back got permission from Paris Saint-Germain to go to the Olympic Games, where Morocco will try to get through the group stage for the second time in its history, after four participations.

Achraf will be a mainstay in defence. A full-back, but with an attacking vocation. His five goals and seven assists this season at PSG prove it.

Oscar Gloukh (Israel)

The gem of Israeli football. The latest talent to be snapped up by RB Salzburg's scouts. In his second season in Austria, the playmaker has nine goals and 18 assists in 40 games. He has also performed well in the Champions League, with two goals and an assist in the world's top club competition.

Born in Rehovot, 20 kilometres south of Tel Aviv, he excelled at Maccabi and Salzburg paid 7 million euros in January 2023 to acquire his services. A small player, 1.70 metres tall, strong and outstanding for his ball control, vision and shooting with both legs.