12 countries are preparing to compete in the women's football tournament at the Olympics to be held in Paris in 2024, and Canada will be the champion for the past three years.
The group stage begins on July 25, with the gold medal match scheduled two weeks later on August 10, making it more intense than most major international tournaments.
France will be hosting some of the best players in the world, too 90 min He has named the top five to watch in the Barclays Women's Super League…
WSL Club: Man Utd
Defender Jayde Riviere has signed his first contract when he joins Manchester United in January 2023.
But the 23-year-old has already tasted success at the Olympics, after being part of Canada's gold medal winning team in 2021. He has represented his country in two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
However, Riviere struggled with a series of minor injuries early in 2024, knocking him out of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in February. But, after returning to fitness at club level, Riviere received the call to the Olympics.
Although he has only started for a few months at United, he should not be underestimated. When in full form, Riviere is a force to be reckoned with, and will no doubt be crucial as Canada look to defend their title.
WSL Club: Arsenal
Arsenal confirmed the arrival of Mariona Caldeney earlier this summer, after spending the last few years at Barcelona.
Caldeney has the ability to play as a forward and attacking midfielder, meaning he is a constant threat to any opponent. The 28-year-old has a great ability to break down any backline, and with 114 goals under his belt for the Catalan club, it is likely that he will score for Spain at this tournament.
It will be the first time that Arsenal fans are really looking for a new player to wear the red and white next season in the WSL. Spain will be hungry for more success after being crowned World Cup champions last summer in Australia.
WSL Club: Chelsea
Striker Sandy Baltimore has been hailed as one of the most exciting signings of the WSL summer transfer window, having joined Chelsea on a long-term deal after leaving Paris-Saint Germain.
The 24-year-old spent the majority of his career at the French club, making his first team debut aged just 15, and went on to make 150 appearances in all competitions.
Baltimore already has plenty of international experience under his belt, playing 28 times for France. He will no doubt be eager to use the Olympics as his chance to make a statement to his country, and to Chelsea, that he is a fierce competitor.
WSL Club: Man City
Mary Fowler plays mostly as a forward but is flexible and can move back into midfield if needed.
The Australian signed a contract with Manchester City in 2022, after leaving French club Montpellier, where he spent most of his youth. Although she spent most of her first season on the bench, she was named the FIFA Women's Player of the Year the following year after an impressive World Cup at home, and later earned more game time for the club.
This summer marks Fowler's second Olympics and he already has more than 50 international caps for the Matildas, despite being just 21 years old. After more experience in the WSL, as well as on the international stage, Fowler will become a main feature of the Matidas in France.
WSL Club: Chelsea
Chelsea responded to Sam Kerr's ACL injury in January by spending heavily on Mayra Ramirez, who went on to score five goals for the Blues before the end of the season – including two on the final day of Manchester United's demolition.
When he first joined Chelsea, the striker had made 30 appearances for Colombia, and was instrumental in helping them reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup, where they were beaten by runners-up England.
Ramirez has been praised for his determination, strength and willingness to do whatever it takes to win, something Colombia will be assured knowing they have qualified for the Olympics.
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