As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, football fans across Africa are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the continent’s rising stars. For a long time, the Olympic Games have been an opportunity for young talent to shine on the international stage.
Africa is ready to make its mark on the Olympic stage, with four qualified men’s teams (Morocco, Guinea, Egypt and Mali) and two women’s teams (Nigeria and Zambia). So who should we be keeping a close eye on, and who could well become the biggest success story behind the Olympic Games?
Achraf Hakimi
Paris Saint-Germain’s 25-year-old right-back is Achraf Hakimi. He has been given the green light by PSG, making him a major asset for Morocco. Known for his pace and attacking proactivity, Hakimi is well on the way to becoming one of the best full-backs in the world.
Naby Keita
Moriba is joined, of course, by Naby Keita. The 29-year old Werder Bremen midfielder will captain Guinea in their first appearance at the Olympic Games in decades. With a wealth of experience at the highest level of club football, he will be an invaluable asset to the team. Although he is already well known, he is too important not to feature in a list of African stars.
Barbra Banda
Zambia’s 24-year-old captain of the women’s national team, Barbra Banda, is ready to light up the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with her goalscoring talent.
Abde Ezzalzouli
Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli, 22, leads Morocco’s Olympic team. Renowned for his electrifying dribbling and creativity, Ezzalzouli has quickly become one of Africa’s most entertaining young talents.
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Ilaix Moriba
Getafe’s 21-year-old midfielder Ilaix Moriba is already making waves in European football. His strong physical presence and technical ability make him a player of choice for the Guinean Olympic squad.
Olympic experience has an impact
For footballers, the Olympic Games are an opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage. Achieving success at the Olympic Games means different things to different countries, but for individuals it can improve their career prospects and even the value of their transfer. The international audience is large, and the memories are many.
