The Paris Games will provide an exciting opportunity for football fans to witness some emerging young talents, but it will also be a chance to see how a seasoned player, like Julián Álvarez, handles the pressure of being the star.
Álvarez, the leading candidate to succeed Messi as Argentina’s football icon, has received the green light from Manchester City to compete for the gold medal. Consequently, he will be the highest-valued player on the pitch at the Parisian tournament. The website “Bolavip Brasil” revealed the other nine players participating in the Games with the highest market value.
Álvarez (Argentina and Manchester City) – €90 million
The star player needs no introduction, arriving at the Games as a Copa America champion. Previously, he was crowned World Champion with Argentina, and with Manchester City, he has won numerous titles, including the Champions League, Club World Cup, and Premier League.
Hakimi (Morocco and PSG) – €60 million
Like Álvarez, he’s one of the three over-23 players that each team can select. The right-back is the key figure in Moroccan football, aiming to replicate the successful campaign they had in the last World Cup, where they finished in fourth place.
Olise (France and Bayern Munich) – €55 million
He’s the highest-valued U23 player in Paris. At 22 years old, he was signed by Bayern Munich during the current transfer window after excelling as a right winger at Crystal Palace in England.
Lukeba (France and Red Bull Leipzig) – €40 million
The 21-year-old defender will also have the task of delighting the home crowd. He has been with Red Bull Leipzig since last season and previously played for Lyon. He has one appearance for the French senior national team.
Baena (Spain and Villarreal) – €40 million
The Spanish striker could have featured in the Euros and potentially earned an European Championship title, but he found himself off the list for the continental competition. However, he may find consolation at the Olympics if he can stand out at 23 years old.
Omorodion (Spain and Atlético de Madrid) – €35 million
The 20-year-old center forward, standing at 1.93m, is a promising Spanish footballer who hasn’t yet truly exploded on the scene. Last season, on loan to Alavés, he scored eight goals in 35 appearances, and he’s considered a strong prospect for the future of Spain’s attack.
Doué (France and Rennes) – €30 million
With a solid record with France’s youth teams, including 20 matches and six goals, he also has a UEFA European Under-17 Championship title to his name. At 19, the Rennes forward is expected to be a key player for the French Olympic side.
Millot (France and Stuttgart) – €30 million
At 22 years old, he boasts an extensive career in the Bundesliga, having spent four seasons with Stuttgart, the last two as one of the team’s regular starters. He had his contract renewed in January and was developed in Monaco’s youth ranks.
El Khannouss (Morocco and Genk) – €30 million
Regarded as one of the brightest talents in African football, the 20-year-old has experience in major tournaments, having played for Morocco in the World Cup in Qatar, where he made an appearance. He operates as an attacking midfielder.
Cubarsí (Spain and Barcelona) – €30 million
Completing the list is the phenomenon from Spain. At just 17 years old, he has already logged 24 appearances for Barcelona’s first team. The defender has made his senior national team debut, but did not make the cut for the Euro squad.
