5 African Stars Who Will Impress At The Paris Olympics …C0NTINUE READING HERE >>>
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, football fans across Africa are eagerly anticipating the showcase of the continent’s rising stars. The Olympics has long been a space for rising talent to shine on a global stage.
With four men’s teams qualified (Morocco, Guinea, Egypt, Mali) and two from the women’s (Nigeria and Zambia), Africa is set to make an impact on the Olympic stage. But, who should we be keeping a close eye on, and who may go on to become the biggest success of the back of the Olympics?
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi is the 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain right-back. He’s been granted permission by PSG to play, making him a key asset for Morocco. Hakimi is known for his blistering pace and attacking proactivity, and he’s quickly becoming one of the world’s best full-backs.
Current club: Paris Saint-GermainPosition: Right-backKey strength: Attacking runs and crossing ability
Hakimi played a crucial role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, providing 5 assists – the most by any defender in the tournament. His experience at the highest level of club football with PSG will be invaluable to the Moroccan Olympic squad.
Recent performances for both club and country have solidified Hakimi’s status as a world-class player. So, this one is a bit of an obvious choice.
Ilaix Moriba
Ilaix Moriba is the 21-year-old Getafe midfielder who has already made waves in European football. His combination of physical presence and technical skill makes him a standout player for Guinea’s Olympic squad.
Current club: Getafe (on loan from RB Leipzig)Position: Central MidfielderKey strength: Box-to-box play and vision
Moriba scored the crucial goal that secured Guinea’s qualification for the Olympics. And, this was a big deal, being their first appearance since 1968. His experience with top clubs like Barcelona and RB Leipzig, despite his young age, brings a level of maturity to Guinea’s midfield. Moriba’s ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute both defensively and offensively will make him the all-round engine for any success that Guinea may have.
Naby Keita
Alongside Moriba, of course, is Naby Keita. The 29-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder is set to captain Guinea in their first Olympic appearance in decades. His wealth of experience at the highest level of club football makes him an invaluable asset to the team. He’s already well known, but he’s too important to leave out of any African star list.
Current club: Werder BremenPosition: Central MidfielderKey strength: Ball control and progressive passing
Keita’s time at Liverpool, where he won the Premier League and Champions League, provides him with big-game experience that will be crucial for Guinea. As one of the overage players in the squad, his leadership both on and off the pitch will be playing a big role. His ability to dictate play from midfield and create chances, and especially in a partnership with Moriba, makes Guinea the African bookies’ favourite when looking at the sport betting odds.
Barbra Banda
Barbra Banda, the 24-year-old captain of Zambia’s women’s national team, is set to light up the Paris 2024 Olympics with her knack for goal scoring.
Current club: Orlando PridePosition: ForwardKey achievement: First player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in Olympic history
Banda has been in top form for Orlando Pride, scoring 11 goals in just 11 games since joining in April 2024. This makes her the joint top scorer in the NWSL, tying a single-season record with four braces.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Banda made history by becoming the first player to score consecutive hat-tricks in the tournament. Her performances have earned her recognition as one of the top players to watch at Paris 2024.
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Abde Ezzalzouli
Abde Ezzalzouli is the 22-year-old Real Betis winger who captains Morocco’s Olympic side. Known for his electrifying dribbling skills and creativity, Ezzalzouli has quickly become one of Africa’s most entertaining young talents.
Current club: Real BetisPosition: WingerKey strength: Dribbling and creativity
Ezzalzouli played a crucial role in Morocco’s qualification for the Olympics, showcasing his leadership qualities as captain. His experience with Barcelona’s youth system and first team, coupled with his current form at Real Betis, has given him the experience and skillset to make himself a threat from out wide. Ezzalzouli’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create chances will not only be vital for Morocco’s Olympic campaign, but could quickly make him a fan favourite.
The Impact of Olympic Experience
The Olympic Games provide a big stage for footballers to really put themselves out there on a global stage. Success at the Olympics means different things for different countries, but for individuals it can boost their career prospects and even transfer value. There are many international viewers, and many memories are made.
For example, Mohamed Salah’s performances during the 2012 Olympics in London was huge. It helped raise his profile considerably, and arguably was the catalyst for the move to Chelsea. Then, of course, he quickly become one of the best in the world.
The Paris 2024 Olympics is long-awaited. It begins on the 26th of July and runs until the 11th of August. This is less than a week before the first game of the Premier League season, meaning that there is some conflict. The players above, however, have been granted permission to represent their country, which isn’t always a guarantee.
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