In contrast to the 2024 European Championship and Copa America 2024, the soccer event within the 2024 Paris Olympics is not going to have all one of the best gamers from the 16 taking part nations. Coaches have needed to excuse U-23 gamers who had been both in motion throughout the summer season senior tournaments or didn’t get permission from their golf equipment to participate within the Olympics in France. Moreover, coaches can solely embrace three gamers over the age of 23 of their 18-man squad, additional limiting their choices. These handicaps, nonetheless, make for a extra balanced event, give even the underdogs a shot at profitable the gold.
As we watch for the Paris Olympics to start, allow us to check out among the most sought-after gamers competing this summer season. Listed here are the 5 most precious soccer stars that includes within the 2024 Paris Olympics:
#5 Castello Lukeba (France): €40 million ($43.38 million)
In fifth place, we’ve got France’s proficient center-back Castello Lukeba. In accordance with Transfermarkt, the sensational 21-year-old is value a whopping €40 million ($43.38 million).
Lukeba, who joined RB Leipzig from Olympique Lyon final summer season, loved a stable 2023-24 season. He performed 32 Bundesliga matches for the membership, scoring as soon as. Lukeba has performed just one sport with France’s Olympic workforce, that includes for your entire 90 minutes of their 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast U23 in March.
#4 Alex Baena (Spain): €40 million ($43.38 million)
Spain, who received EURO 2024 on July 14, will look so as to add an Olympic gold to their ever-growing trophy cupboard. They’ve despatched a formidable workforce, spearheaded by €40 million ($43.38 million)-man Alex Baena. Baena, who performed two matches for La Roja in EURO 2024, will take part in his first Olympics this 12 months.
The 23-year-old loved a wonderful La Liga marketing campaign with Villarreal in 2023-24. He scored twice and supplied 14 assists in 34 matches. Coming to internationals, Baena has performed 5 matches for the senior workforce, scoring twice.
#3 Michael Olise (France): €55 million ($59.65 million)
One of many star gamers of Thierry Henry’s France on the 2024 Paris Olympics, Michael Olise carries a hefty €55 million ($59.65 million) price ticket. The event is essential for the Bayern Munich newb0y, as it can give him the prospect to show his mettle after failing to make Les Bleus’ EURO 2024 squad.
Olise endured an injury-ridden ultimate season at Crystal Palace, however his performances had been noteworthy. He performed 19 Premier League matches for Palace, scoring 10 instances and offering six assists. The 22-year-old has but to debut for France’s senior workforce however shone in his debut for the U-23 facet, scoring twice.
#2 Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): €60 million ($65.08 million)
A shock inclusion to Morocco’s Olympics workforce, 25-year-old Achraf Hakimi is value a cool €60 million ($65.08 million). He’s by far essentially the most beneficial defender competing within the Video games this summer season.
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) right-back is coming into the event on the again of a high quality season. He performed 25 video games in Ligue 1 final time period, scoring 4 instances and offering 5 assists to assist the Parisiens to the title.
Hakimi is seen as a hero in Morocco, because of the invaluable performances he delivered to take his nation to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals — a primary for an African nation. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see if the 77-cap fullback can add one other feather to his cap by securing an Olympic medal for the Atlas Lions.
#1 Julian Alvarez (Argentina): €90 million ($97.61 million)
Copa America 2024 winner with Argentina, Julian Alvarez is essentially the most beneficial participant taking part in within the Paris Olympics. The Manchester Metropolis attacker, who’s taking part in his second Olympic Video games, is value €90 million ($97.61 million).
Alvarez has loved a stellar 2023-24 season, profitable the Premier League title with Man Metropolis earlier than lifting the Copa America with La Albiceleste. The 24-year-old scored 11 targets and supplied 9 assists for Metropolis within the Premier League, whereas for Argentina, he scored twice in 5 video games. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has to this point performed 36 video games for Argentina’s senior workforce, scoring 9 instances and offering an help.