The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics are set to showcase some of the biggest stars in the world of soccer as they represent their national teams in pursuit of Olympic gold. Soccer has a rich history of memorable moments on the Olympic stage, and here we delve into a selection of international soccer players through an Olympic lens.
Men's Soccer
Marcelo: Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs of all time, Marcelo has represented Brazil at the Olympics, winning bronze in 2008 and silver in 2012.
Javier Mascherano: A legendary defensive midfielder, Mascherano achieved Olympic gold with Argentina in 2004 and 2008 before retiring and transitioning to coaching.
Lionel Messi: Considered one of the greatest soccer players ever, Messi led Argentina to Olympic gold in 2008 with his exceptional skills on the field.
Neymar: The prolific Brazilian forward captained his team to their first Olympic gold in 2016 and also won silver in 2012.
Richarlison: Emerging as a key player for Brazil, Richarlison played a crucial role in securing Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Women's Soccer
Formiga: A veteran Brazilian midfielder, Formiga has participated in seven Olympics, winning silver in 2004 and 2008 before retiring in 2021.
Mia Hamm: A legendary forward for the United States, Hamm led her team to Olympic gold in 1996 and 2004, along with a silver in 2000.
Marta: A six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Marta made history by scoring at five consecutive Olympics and aims to retire after the Paris Games.
Christie Pearce: Former captain of the U.S. national team, Pearce guided her team to three consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2004 to 2012.
Christine Sinclair: The Canadian superstar, Sinclair, achieved Olympic gold in 2020 and holds the record for the most international goals scored in soccer history.
These remarkable athletes have left an indelible mark on the Olympic soccer stage, showcasing their talent and dedication to the sport. Stay updated with the latest news, features, and roster updates on the ESPN Olympics hub page.
