Is Olympic Football Still Important Today?

The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 reached a global broadcast audience of more than three billion people, while the 2024 event is expected to generate between €6.7 and €11.1 billion in net economic benefits in the Paris region. The FIFA World Cup is probably one of the few sports events, if not only one, able to compete with the Olympics when it comes to spectator interest and size.

FIFA noted that 3.572 billion people watched the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. While the 2022 World Cup final, in which Argentina beat France after penalties (3-3 a.e.t.), had a global reach of almost 1.5 billion viewers.

So, how does the Olympic football event compare to the FIFA World Cup? And what is, and has been, the importance of Olympic football to the sport?

When did football debut at the Olympics and how has it evolved?

Football made its debut at the second Olympic Games in Paris in 1900. Apart from the 1932 edition, the sport has been contested at every edition since. During the first two editions, only three club sides participated.

Between 1908 and 1980, amateur national teams participated with the number of nations ranging between six (1908, London) and 25 (1952, Helsinki). The IOC introduced an extra rule in 1956, prohibiting players (except for players from Africa and Asia) from participating who played at the previous World Cup. In 1968, the rule was expanded to include World Cup qualification matches.

Between 1948 and 1980, 23 out of 28 medals (note: two bronze medals were awarded in 1972) were won by countries from Eastern Europe. Contributing to this dominance was that many Eastern European players could maintain their amateur status as they were sponsored by the government.

Since the 1968 Olympics, the IOC slowly changed their stance on amateur only competitors. For football this resulted in the participation of professional national teams in 1984 (Los Angeles) and 1988 (Seoul). However, European and South American players who had played at least one match at the World Cup were excluded.

Since 1992, the event is contested by under-23 national teams (note: at 2020 Tokyo this became under-24 as COVID-19 caused a one-year postponement). With the IOC allowing nations to include three overage players to their 18-men squad since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The playing rules are identical to those used at other major football tournaments, like the World Cup, Euros and Champions League.

Important moments and format changes in men’s football at the Olympic Games

The birth of the FIFA World Cup

The omission of football at the 1932 Olympics, the rules excluding certain World Cup players, and the under-23 rule are all related to FIFA’s flagship tournament the World Cup.

At an IOC session in 1928, it was decided that football would be excluded from the Olympic programme, as it was “impossible for the International Association Football Association to come to an agreement with the IOC regarding the rules of amateurism”. It meant that no football event was organised at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This was possible as the IOC had drawn up a list of obligatory and optional sports at the Olympics in 1924, classifying football as optional.

The dispute with the IOC came at a time when FIFA desired to organise their own international tournament for professional players to show the strength of the international game and have a competition on equal footing. This desire was fulfilled in 1930, with the inaugural FIFA World Cup taking place in Uruguay. Contested by 13 nations, 68,346 people saw host La Celeste beat Argentina 4-2 in the final.

According to the IOC, FIFA accepted the Olympic governing body’s rules concerning amateurism and thus football was re-entered at the 1936 (Berlin) Olympics. Other explanations were that the IOC could use the extra income from the football event and that the 1932 edition had not taken place to promote the World Cup.

Avoiding a World Cup vs Olympics rivalry

When the IOC allowed professional players to participate in 1984, a problem arose, as FIFA did not want a tournament rivalling the World Cup. Their fear being a possible reduction in interest for and income from the World Cup.

As compromise, there was first the rule of excluding UEFA and CONMEBOL players who had appeared at the World Cup (1984 and 1988), only to be replaced by the current under-23 format in 1992. This would ensure the competitiveness level at the Olympics increased, while at the same time limiting the competition with the World Cup.

Since 1968, 16 teams participate at the Olympics (except for 1976: 13 teams). The same amount as at the expanded Copa América 2024. However, it is only half of the 32 nations that competed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA even having 48 participating nations.

Of the 16 nations participating in Paris, six were also present at the 2022 World Cup. Including World Champions Argentina, finalist France, Japan, Morocco, Spain and the USA.

Gold medals at the Olympics

Despite more nations participating at the World Cup, there have been a larger variety of champions at the Olympic Games. 19 different nations from four different continents (Europe, South and North America, and Africa) have won gold at the 27 editions held before Paris 2024.

Hungary and Great Britain have each won three gold medals. With the former also winning a silver and bronze medal. Great Britain has no silver or bronze medals, but they have also not entered a team since 1974 (except for the 2012 London Olympics).

Four nations – Brazil, Argentina, the Soviet Union and Uruguay – have won two gold medals. Brazil has won the most medals (seven of which three silver and two bronze) in total, with their two gold medals coming at the 2016 and 2020 editions. The Seleção could not defend their title in Paris, as they failed to qualify.

Only eight different nations, coming from just two continents (Europe and South America) have won the 22 World Cups. Seven of them have also won at least one gold medal at the Olympics. Only Germany as unified nation has not. They have won four World Cups, with the latest coming in 2014, while only winning silver and bronze at the Olympics. East Germany did win gold in 1976. And while Great Britain has won Olympic gold (three times), it is England who has won the World Cup in 1966.

The curious case of Great Britain

The difference between the Olympics recognising Great Britain as one nation and FIFA recognising four different FAs with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales has led to a curious situation. Until the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Great Britain entered the football event. However, in 1974 the English FA abolished the distinction between amateurs and professionals and stopped sending a team.

When professionals were allowed in 1984, the four FAs were afraid that participating together at the Olympics as Great Britain would result in them also having to play as one team in other football events. So, they refrained from entering the event. An exception was made for the 2012 London Games as the team qualified directly as host nation.

Yet, the argument of a unified team functioning as precedent kept standing, making the FAs reluctant to send players. No true reassurance came from FIFA, so the idea was to only select English players. In the end, the roster consisted of 13 English and five Welch players. Including 38-year-old Ryan Giggs. The former Manchester United player appeared at his first major international tournament as Wales never qualified for the World Cup or European Championship during his international playing career. The team lost on penalties (1-1 a.e.t.) in the quarterfinals against South Korea.

Clubs are not required to release players

Given the setup of the football event, with the under-23 rule, the significance of the Olympics compared to other international competitions is limited. However, there are still many (overage) players who want to participate, as playing at the Olympics and winning gold is a dream for many of them. Only the problem is that the men’s tournament is not included in the FIFA International Match Calendar. Therefore, clubs are not required to release their players for the tournament.

For the 2024 Paris edition, France qualified as host. Kylian Mbappé made no secret of wanting to join up with the French side as an overage player. Despite already having played with France at the 2024 Euros, in which they lost 2-1 in the semifinals against eventual champions Spain. Yet, his move to his dream club Real Madrid meant he could not join Thierry Henry’s side, as Madrid made it clear they would not allow their players to participate in the 2024 Olympics.

Players as Leny Yoro (Manchester United), Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich), Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Bradley Barcola (both PSG) were also not allowed by their clubs to join, despite being included in France’s 25-men preliminary squad.

Protecting players

That clubs are unwilling to let players go is logical with the tournament often taking place at the end of July and beginning of August. At which time preparations for the new season are in full flow. Furthermore, with the Euros and Copa América generally taking place in the same summer, it could mean participation in two major tournaments for some (young) players at the end of a long season.

Which is what happened with Barcelona’s Pedri. The Spanish midfielder turned 18 during his first season (2020/21) at Barcelona and played a total of 73 matches. The most amongst all players. Apart from the many matches he played at his club (52), the Spanish international participated at the postponed Euros, reaching the semifinals, and won silver at the Olympics. Eight days after the final in Tokyo, Pedri played for Barcelona on the first matchday of the new season. He was given a two-week holiday after the season’s second game.

Given his level of performance during that year and his age, an incredible performance. Yet, with the many injuries he has suffered in the following seasons, the question remains whether it was the right call from the club and federation to let him participate at both events.

These examples show that players’ participation at the Olympics still causes challenges and controversy. Therefore, it seems unimaginable that the under-23 rule will be abolished anytime soon. The calendar is already so full that players and managers are voicing their concerns about commercial interests coming before players’ health.

The latest expansions of the World Cup, the Champions League, and Club World Cup have added even more matches. It has resulted in FIFPRO (labor union for professional players) and several European leagues to announce their intention to jointly file a complaint to the European Commission about FIFA’s alleged one-sided decision making. While the English/Wales and French players’ union have already filed a complaint.

Major players to have won Olympic gold

In the past, Barcelona allowed Lionel Messi to participate in the 2008 Olympics. Argentina had won the gold four years prior and 21-year-old Messi wanted to be part of the team trying to defend that title in Beijing. The club was reluctant at first, but manager Pep Guardiola, who won Olympic gold himself in 1992, played a major part in the decision to let him go. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner went on to win gold with his team, that included players such as Ángel Di María, Juan Román Riquelme, Javier Mascherano, and Sergio Agüero.

It would be Messi’s only prize at an international level until Argentina won the 2021 Copa América. By winning the 2022 World Cup, Messi and Ángel Di María became the only two players since World War II, to have won both the World Cup and Olympic gold.

While teammate Mascherano is only one of two male players to have won two gold medals at the Olympics (2004 and 2008). The other player being Hungarian Dezso Novák (1964 and 1968).

Seven players have won gold at the Olympics while playing for a Premier League side. Lauren became the first player when he won gold with Cameroon in Sydney in 2000, not long after joining Arsenal. While Gabriel Martinelli and Richarlison played for Arsenal and Everton respectively when they won gold with Brazil in Tokyo.

Selection of well-known players having won Olympic gold

Overage players at the 2024 Olympics in Paris

The rule change allowing for three overage players has added experience to the young teams and quality in positions in which a team may have lacked with just under-23 players. Furthermore, some overage players have been able to add another chapter to their impressive careers. Such as Giggs playing his first major international tournament in 2012. Or Dani Alves winning gold with Brazil in Tokyo 2020. The right back has won the second most senior trophies (44), only behind Messi (45).

At the 2024 Olympics, not all 48 possible spots for overage players have been taken up though. With some nations choosing to forego this opportunity. Such as Japan, who only selected under-23 players.

Well-known overage players to have been selected are former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta (both for France). Former Liverpool player Naby Keïta captained Guinea, while PSG back Achraf Hakimi captained Morocco. Leeds United player Junior Firpo was selected by the Dominican Republic.

Argentina manager Javier Mascherano selected three overage players who won the 2024 Copa América earlier in the summer: Julián Álvarez (Manchester City), Gerónimo Rulli (Ajax) and Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica).

Selection of well-known overage players at the 2024 Olympic Games

Women’s football at the Olympics

Since 1996, there is also a women’s football tournament at the Olympics. By that time, two World Cups for women (1991 and 1995) had already taken place. It differs from the men’s in that there is no age restriction, meaning an extra tournament for full national sides.

The tournament is also included in the FIFA International Match Calendar, so clubs are required to release players. If nations qualify for the World Cup, Olympics and Continental Championships, it means players could play three major tournaments in four years. Add to that the increase in level of competitiveness, the Nations League (and finals), and an increase in number of participating nations and matches, and the commercial versus health debate is just as relevant for the women as it is for the men.

Like for the men, less countries can participate compared to the World Cup. In 2023, FIFA expanded the number of World Cup participants to 32 (from 24 in 2019). At the Olympics, only 12 nations can participate, with the semi-finalists each playing six matches.

Gold medal winners at the women’s

Canada is the only nation to have won an Olympic gold medal in the men’s (1904, St. Louis) and women’s (2020, Tokyo) event. While Germany won the women’s event in 2016, East Germany won the men’s event (1976, Montreal). Participating as Germany, the men have only won silver (2016, Rio de Janeiro) and bronze (1988, Seoul).

Apart from Canada and Germany, Norway and the USA have won women’s gold. The USA has even won four gold medals, including at the first edition in Atlanta in 1996. Four gold is also the most won by any team for both men and women. During the seven editions before Paris 2024, the USA only failed to obtain a medal in Rio de Janeiro 2016. There they lost the quarterfinals on penalties (1-1 a.e.t.) to silver medallists Sweden. Only the Brazilian men’s team has obtained more medals (seven) than the USA women’s team (six).

Brazil, Sweden, China and Japan are the only other nations to have won a medal at the women’s event. Coincidently, they have all only won silver.

Great Britain’s women’s team

Great Britain’s women’s team is yet to win a gold medal. However, contrary to the men, the women have no problem sending a unified team out of fear of the four FAs no longer being recognised independently. In 2012, Great Britain qualified as host and for Tokyo 2020 they did so through England’s qualifying performance.

In Tokyo, the roster was expanded from 18 to 22 players (due to COVID-19) and included 18 English, one Welsh, and three Scottish players. The British failed to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, as England’s qualifying performance fell short.

The Olympic Goal

The Olympic football event could be seen as the catalyst for FIFA to launch the men’s World Cup, which has become a huge success. Another, trivial, Olympic influence on general football is that of the Olympic Goal: a goal scored directly from a corner kick. It is not named after a goal scored at the Olympics, but after Argentina striker Cesáreo Onzari’s goal against reigning Olympic champion Uruguay in a 1924 friendly. With the World Cup not yet existing, Olympic gold was the pinnacle of football and thus the match (taking place shortly after Uruguay’s triumph) received a lot of coverage.

The goal is not often scored, especially at major events. At the men’s World Cup, it has happened only once. At the 1962 World Cup in Chile, Colombia’s Marcos Coll scored one against the Soviet Union who had one of the best goalkeepers in Lev Yashin.

At the women’s World Cup, it has happened once as well. With Republic of Ireland’s Katie McCabe scoring an Olympic goal against Canada, the reigning Olympic champion, in 2023.

While Megan Rapinoe is the only football player, men or women, to have scored an Olympic goal at the Olympics. The American did so twice, in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.

Overall, it seems that the Olympic football event has more importance in the women’s game than the men’s due to the under-23 rule. The rule has ensured though that the event is more competitive compared to the amateur days, while at the same time preventing serious competitions for the World Cup. And while neutral fans may have less interest in football at the Olympics compared to other major tournaments, players and managers will not share that opinion while on their quest for gold.