The Paris 2024 Olympic football tournaments have come to a close, leaving us with a wealth of memorable moments and outstanding performances. Over two weeks, we saw top teams battle it out on the pitch, each vying for a coveted spot on the podium.
From the women’s tournament, where the United States clinched yet another gold, to the men’s competition, where Spain emerged victorious, each match told its own story.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the final matches that decided the medals. Whether you missed the action or want to relive the excitement, our recap aims to give you a clear picture of how the tournaments unfolded.
| Medal | Women’s Tournament | Men’s Tournament |
| GOLD | United States | Spain |
| SILVER | Brazil | France |
| BRONZE | Germany | Morocco |
Women’s Gold Medal Match: United States 1-0 Brazil
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) secured their fifth Olympic gold medal with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Parc des Princes. Mallory Swanson scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, marking her 100th appearance for the national team in style.
The match was evenly contested, with stellar goalkeeping on both sides. Alyssa Naeher made several key saves for the US, particularly in the first half when she denied Ludmila and Gabi Portilho. Brazil’s Lorena was equally impressive, keeping Swanson at bay early in the game.
Brazil’s introduction of veteran forward Marta in the second half added pressure, but the American defence, led by Naomi Girma, held firm. The win marks Emma Hayes’ first major title as USWNT coach, just over two months into her tenure.
“I’m very emotional,” Hayes said post-match. “It has been a dream of mine to be in this position. The players have taken on board everything I have asked, they are tremendous people, players, and role models.”
This win underscores the US team’s continued dominance in women’s football, while Brazil adds a third Olympic silver to their collection, after Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Men’s Gold Medal Match: Spain 5-3 France (After Extra Time)
Spain clinched their first Olympic football gold since Barcellona 1992 in a thrilling 5-3 extra-time victory over France. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring multiple lead changes and a dramatic comeback.
France opened the scoring through Enzo Millot in the 11th minute, but Spain quickly turned the tables. Fermin Lopez equalised in the 18th minute and added another in the 25th, with Alex Baena extending the lead to 3-1 just three minutes later.
However, France staged a late comeback. Maghnes Akliouche’s free-kick in the 79th minute and Jean-Phillipe Mateta’s penalty in the 90th forced the game into extra time.
In the additional period, substitute Sergio Camello proved to be Spain’s hero. He scored in the 100th minute to put Spain ahead and sealed the victory with another goal in the final minute of play.
Women’s Bronze Medal Match: Germany 1-0 Spain
Germany secured the bronze medal with a narrow 1-0 win over Spain, thanks to Giulia Gwinn’s second-half penalty. The match was defined by strong defensive performances and exceptional goalkeeping.
Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero of the night for Germany. Her crucial save of Alexia Putellas’ penalty in the closing moments of the match ensured Germany’s place on the podium.
“We had some injuries, we had some infections, we had everything,” Berger commented after the game. “The belief from the coach that every single person can actually do the job — I think that’s why we won the bronze medal. We just showed what we are capable of, and now we want more.”
Men’s Bronze Medal Match: Morocco 6-0 Egypt
Morocco claimed their first-ever Olympic medal in football with a solid 6-0 victory over Egypt. This historic achievement represents a significant milestone for Moroccan football, marking their progression from previous tournaments where they had never advanced beyond the group stages.
Abde Ezzalzouli opened the scoring just after the 20-minute mark, followed quickly by Soufiane Rahimi’s first of two goals. Bilal El Khannouss, Akram Nakach, and captain Achraf Hakimi also found the net, with Rahimi’s second goal taking his tournament tally to eight.
This commanding performance secured Morocco’s place on the podium and highlighted their impressive growth as a team and a rising force in international football. This bronze medal definitely set a new benchmark for future Olympic performances.
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