Paris 2024 Olympics: Who has won the most titles in football? Has Lionel Messi won one?
Published 28/07/2024 at 21:40 GMT+1
Football has been included in the Summer Olympic Games for over 120 years, with some of the world's best players representing their nation. Argentina's leading goalscorer Lionel Messi is one of the many great stars who have graced the Olympic stage, but which nation has won the most titles at the Summer Games? Has Messi won one?
'What a strike' - Lacazette gives France lead against USA with stylish finish
Video credit: TNT Sports
The men's football tournament has featured in every Summer Olympic Games except in 1896 and 1932, with the women's side commencing in 1996. Since its addition, many established global legends and promising stars have used it as a platform to shine in their country's colours.
Unlike the usual format adopted in major tournaments, the Olympics require the men's teams to be made up of under-23 players with the exception of three over-aged players. The women's Olympic football tournament allows a full senior-level squad.
Who has won the most titles?
Great Britain are tied with Hungary for the most amount of gold medals won at the Olympic Games in men's football.
For Great Britain, these gold medals came in 1900, 1908 and 1912, though Britain isn't the only nation to achieve this feat. Hungary clinched the title in 1952, 1964, and 1968 - matching the success of Team GB.
In the women's game, the United States are the most successful side in Olympic history. Team USA have won the most Olympic titles, with a total of four gold medals in 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012.
At the London 2012 Games, American winger Megan Rapinoe memorably scored a goal directly from a corner becoming the first player, male or female, to do so.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/07/28/image-cfd8f0c3-4a32-4fce-a7d8-4b8a9dd20084-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Megan Rapinoe #15, Heather Mitts #2 and the United States women's soccer team celebrate after defeating Japan by a score of 2-1 to win the Women's Football gold medal match on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Has Messi won one?
Messi won Olympic gold in his first and only appearance at the Games in 2008. In Beijing, Argentina dominated the tournament, winning all games with Messi scoring two goals. His performance at the Games earned him the player of the tournament.
Messi isn't the only star to feature for Argentina at the Olympic Games. At his sole Olympics, Messi shared international success with legendary team-mates Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero.
What about Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar?
Another nation known for producing remarkable talents that have competed on the Olympic stage is Brazil.
Brazilian superstars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho competed at the 1996 and 2008 Games respectively - each earning a bronze medal.
- Nadal to face Djokovic at Paris 2024 Olympics
- Putella's strike sends Spain to quarter-finals at Olympic Games
Two-time Olympian Neymar made his debut at the Olympic Games in London 2012 - earning a silver medal for Brazil. In 2016, Neymar created history on home soil as he captained Brazil to their first-ever Olympic gold medal.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/07/28/image-60b8e9ab-5038-4765-93e3-989192a2099f-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: Neymar of Brazil celebrates with his medal and teamates at the Olympic Men's Final Football match between Brazil and Germany at Maracana Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Stuart Franklin - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Defending champions Brazil failed to qualify in the men's tournament for the Paris 2024 Games, though their women's squad will hope to win their first Olympic gold medal.
In Paris, Brazilian legend Marta will compete in her last international football tournament for her nation.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement