Entertainers hoping to light up football's five-ring circus

In the days leading up to this evening’s official opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, several of the longer-running events have already been up and running including football in both men’s and women’s events.

- KARL MATCHETT

While the women have full international squads on show, men’s teams are generally an under-23 event with up to three overage exceptions per squad – meaning a blend of some of the world’s best and the most exciting up-and-coming youngsters across the entirety of Olympic football this summer.

Here we’ve picked out 10 players whose performances and selections could define the football memories and medals at Paris 2024.

Linda Caicedo, Colombia

Although the women’s event is a senior competition, some of the greatest youngsters around are gathered in France this month – and Caicedo might be the best of them. Still only 19, the Colombian forward starred at the World Cup last year, scored the goal of the tournament and earned a move to Real Madrid, where already she has won individual awards noting her as the best under-21 in the game. All this as a teenager... and four years after overcoming ovarian cancer. She’s a standout in so many ways.

Kadeisha Buchanan, Canada

From LaLiga to London, Buchanan is a Chelsea defender in the WSL and a star centre-back with Canada. At age 28, she’s set to win her 150th senior cap for the national team during the Games and will be a key part of their hopes to progress from a very competitive group, which includes the hosts and the aforementioned Colombia. She was harshly sent off in the Uefa Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg which tilted the game the way of Barcelona – the Olympics is a great stage for her to put that behind her and show her qualities.

Jaedyn Shaw, USA