The Top 10 Moments in Olympic Soccer History
As we count down to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, it’s time to look back at the most iconic moments in Olympic soccer history. From Lionel Messi’s early days to the USWNT’s dominance, we’re counting down the top 10 moments that have left us in awe.
10. Carlos Tevez Scores Stunning Volley as Argentina Win First-Ever Men’s Soccer Gold – Athens 2004
Argentina’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer was sealed with a stunning volley from Carlos Tevez in the semifinal against Italy. La Albiceleste went on to win the tournament, scoring 17 goals and conceding zero.
9. USMNT Finish Fourth, Their Best-Ever Finish in Modern Olympics Era, as Teenage Landon Donovan Arrives – Sydney 2000
The 2000 Olympics saw the USMNT finish fourth, their best-ever finish in the modern era. The tournament also marked the emergence of a young Landon Donovan, who would go on to become the all-time leading scorer for the USMNT.
8. Abby Wambach Scores Overtime Winner for USWNT v Brazil – Athens 2004
Abby Wambach’s goal to win the USWNT the 2004 Gold medal was a classic moment in Olympic soccer history. Her header from a corner sealed the victory over Brazil, sending the USWNT to their second-straight Olympic title.
7. Hosts Spain Win on Home Soil as Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique Play Starring Role – Barcelona 1992
Spain won their first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer on home soil in 1992. The tournament featured a young Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, who played starring roles in Spain’s Gold medal-winning campaign.
6. Carli Lloyd Nets Winner as USWNT Beat Brazil to Win Gold in Extra Time – Beijing 2008
Carli Lloyd’s goal in extra time sealed the USWNT’s Gold medal victory over Brazil in the 2008 Olympics. The match was a thriller, with the USWNT coming from behind to win 2-1.
5. A Young Lionel Messi Inspires Argentina to Back-to-Back Olympic Gold Medals – Beijing 2008
Lionel Messi’s early days in the Olympic tournament saw him inspire Argentina to back-to-back Gold medals in 2008. His performances, including a stunning goal against the Netherlands, cemented his status as a global superstar.
4. Nigeria’s ‘Dream Team’ Make History with Epic Gold-Medal Run – Atlanta 1996
Nigeria’s ‘Dream Team’ made history at the 1996 Olympics, winning their first-ever Olympic Gold medal in men’s soccer. The team, featuring players like Kanu and Amokachi, finished the tournament with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Argentina.
3. USWNT Win First-Ever Olympic Women’s Soccer Tournament in Front of Record Crowd – Atlanta 1996
The USWNT won the first-ever Olympic women’s soccer tournament in front of a record crowd at the 1996 Olympics. The team, featuring players like Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain, defeated China 2-1 in the final to claim the Gold medal.
2. Neymar Leads Brazil to Gold Medal Glory on Penalty Kicks – Rio 2016
Neymar’s penalty kick sealed Brazil’s Gold medal victory over Germany in the 2016 Olympics. The match was a thrilling encounter, with Brazil eventually winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
1. Brazil Wins First-Ever Olympic Gold Medal in Men’s Soccer – Rio 2016
Brazil won their first-ever Olympic Gold medal in men’s soccer in the 2016 Olympics. The team, featuring Neymar, won the tournament in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to beat Germany 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
From the USWNT’s dominance to Lionel Messi’s early days, these are the top 10 moments in Olympic soccer history. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis of the beautiful game.