Top 5 Most Valuable Players at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Unlike the 2024 European Championship and Copa America 2024, the soccer tournament in the 2024 Paris Olympics will not feature all the best players from the 16 participating nations. Coaches have had to excuse U-23 players who were either in action during the summer senior tournaments or did not receive permission from their clubs to participate in the Olympics in France. Additionally, coaches can only include three players over the age of 23 in their 18-man squad, further restricting their choices.
These limitations, however, set the stage for a more balanced tournament, giving even the underdogs a chance at claiming the gold medal. As we eagerly anticipate the start of the Paris Olympics, let’s take a closer look at some of the most sought-after players who will be competing this summer.
#5 Castello Lukeba (France): €40 million ($43.38 million)
Castello Lukeba Joined RB Leipzig Last Summer
In fifth place, we have France’s talented center-back Castello Lukeba. According to Transfermarkt, the sensational 21-year-old is valued at an impressive €40 million ($43.38 million). Lukeba, who made the move to RB Leipzig from Olympique Lyon last summer, had a strong 2023-24 season. He featured in 32 Bundesliga matches for the club, scoring once. Lukeba has only played one game with France’s Olympic team, playing the full 90 minutes in their 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast U23 in March.
#4 Alex Baena (Spain): €40 million ($43.38 million)
Alex Baena Is Spain’s Most Valuable Player In Paris Olympics
Spain, the winners of EURO 2024 on July 14, are aiming to add an Olympic gold to their collection. They have assembled a strong team led by Alex Baena, whose value stands at €40 million ($43.38 million). Baena featured in two matches for La Roja in EURO 2024 and will make his Olympic debut this year. The 23-year-old had an outstanding La Liga campaign with Villarreal in 2023-24, scoring twice and providing 14 assists in 34 matches. Baena has played five matches for the senior team, scoring twice.
#3 Michael Olise (France): €55 million ($59.65 million)
Michael Olise Scored A Brace For France U23 Team
One of the standout players in Thierry Henry’s France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Michael Olise is valued at a hefty €55 million ($59.65 million). The tournament holds significant importance for the Bayern Munich newcomer, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his skills after missing out on a spot in Les Bleus’ EURO 2024 squad. Despite facing injuries in his final season at Crystal Palace, Olise delivered notable performances, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 19 Premier League appearances. The 22-year-old is yet to debut for France’s senior team but made an impact in his U-23 debut, scoring twice.
#2 Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): €60 million ($65.08 million)
Achraf Hakimi Is Morocco’s Most Recognizable Player
A surprise addition to Morocco’s Olympic team, 25-year-old Achraf Hakimi is valued at an impressive €60 million ($65.08 million). He is considered the most valuable defender participating in the Games this summer. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) right-back had a strong season, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 25 Ligue 1 games to help PSG clinch the title. Hakimi is revered in Morocco for his contributions that propelled the country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. It will be intriguing to see if the 77-cap fullback can secure an Olympic medal for the Atlas Lions.
#1 Julian Alvarez (Argentina): €90 million ($97.61 million)
Julian Alvarez Scored 2 Goals For Argentina In Copa America 2024
Julian Alvarez, the Copa America 2024 winner with Argentina, is the most valuable player at the Paris Olympics this year. The Manchester City attacker, participating in his second Olympic Games, is valued at €90 million ($97.61 million). Alvarez had an exceptional 2023-24 season, winning the Premier League title with Man City before lifting the Copa America with La Albiceleste. The 24-year-old scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League and scored twice in five games for Argentina. With 36 appearances for Argentina’s senior team, contributing nine goals and an assist, Alvarez is sure to be a key player to watch in the upcoming Olympic tournament.
