Football has always been one of the most exciting sports inside the Olympic Games. It unites nations, allows youngsters to shine, and, once in a while, helps fans take a peek at the new stars that are to become legends. Yet, while the FIFA World Cup is the biggest constituency for football in the world, the Olympics have their aura, history, and importance.
In this detailed guide by 96in.com, we will explore everything about Olympic football winners — from the first tournament to the latest Olympics football winner 2024. We will cover both men’s and women’s tournaments, the full Olympic football winners list by year, and some of the most unforgettable moments in Olympic football history.
Whether you’re a football lover or a sports bettor using the 96in.com app, this guide will help you stay informed and updated.
What is Football at the Olympics?
Football became a part of the Olympic Games in the year 1900. At first, it was a men-only event. But in 1996, women’s football was also added to the Olympics. Since then, football has become one of the most popular Olympic sports.
The men’s tournament is mostly for players under 23 years of age. Each team can also include three older players. This allows young talent to show their skills on a big stage. For women, there is no age limit, so the best players from around the world take part.
Each Olympic Games includes qualification matches, group stages, and knockout rounds leading to the final. Winning a gold medal at the Olympics is a big achievement for any country.
Read about – Top Football Tournament in India
Both Men’s and Women’s Have a Strong History in Olympic Football
The Olympic football winners list is full of big names. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, Hungary, and Spain could be crowned champions in men’s football. Women were to receive medals a few times in the USA, Germany, and Canada.
These Olympic Games have a unique appeal since the tournament usually reveals future stars in football. Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Carlos Tevez all played in the Olympics before becoming worldwide famous.
Men’s Olympic Football Winners List by Year
This is the complete Olympic football winners list by year for the men’s tournament. It gives the gold, silver, and bronze medalists from 1900 to 2024.
Year | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
1900 | Great Britain | France | Belgium |
1904 | Canada | Christian Brothers College (USA) | St. Rose Parish (USA) |
1908 | Great Britain | Denmark | Netherlands |
1912 | Great Britain | Denmark | Netherlands |
1920 | Belgium | Spain | Netherlands |
1924 | Uruguay | Switzerland | Sweden |
1928 | Uruguay | Argentina | Italy |
1936 | Italy | Austria | Norway |
1948 | Sweden | Yugoslavia | Denmark |
1952 | Hungary | Yugoslavia | Sweden |
1956 | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | Bulgaria |
1960 | Yugoslavia | Denmark | Hungary |
1964 | Hungary | Czechoslovakia | Germany |
1968 | Hungary | Bulgaria | Japan |
1972 | Poland | Hungary | East Germany |
1976 | East Germany | Poland | Soviet Union |
1980 | Czechoslovakia | East Germany | Soviet Union |
1984 | France | Brazil | Yugoslavia |
1988 | Soviet Union | Brazil | West Germany |
1992 | Spain | Poland | Ghana |
1996 | Nigeria | Argentina | Brazil |
2000 | Cameroon | Spain | Chile |
2004 | Argentina | Paraguay | Italy |
2008 | Argentina | Nigeria | Brazil |
2012 | Mexico | Brazil | South Korea |
2016 | Brazil | Germany | Nigeria |
2020 | Brazil | Spain | Mexico |
2024 | Spain | France | Morocco |
This long list shows that Brazil and Hungary are some of the top teams in football in the Olympics winners history.
Women’s Olympic Football Winners List by Year
Women’s football was added to the Olympics in 1996. Since then, the matches have been exciting and competitive. Here’s the Olympic football women winners list:
Year | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
1996 | USA | China | Norway |
2000 | Norway | USA | Germany |
2004 | USA | Brazil | Germany |
2008 | USA | Brazil | Germany |
2012 | USA | Japan | Canada |
2016 | Germany | Sweden | Canada |
2020 | Canada | Sweden | USA |
2024 | USA | Brazil | Germany |
USA is the top team in women’s Olympic football, with the most Olympic football gold medal winners.
Check – Women Football Standings
Most Memorable Olympic Football Moments
Here are some great moments from Olympic football history:
- Brazil’s first gold in 2016: After years of trying to win that elusive gold, Brazil finally saw victory in Rio, with Neymar coolly converting the winning penalty in the final.
- Nigeria’s surprise win in 1996: Nigeria shocked the world by beating top teams like Brazil and Argentina to win the gold medal.
- Back-to-back golds for Argentina: Led by the likes of Messi and Tevez, Argentina won in 2004 and 2008.
- Woman power for the USA: The U.S. made all the scream: the country won four of the first five women’s Olympic tournaments, cementing their position as world football giants.
Updated – Olympic Football Winners 2020 and 2024
Let’s take a look at the recent Olympic football winners:
Tokyo 2020 (Played in 2021)
Men’s:
- Gold: Brazil
- Silver: Spain
- Bronze: Mexico
Women’s:
- Gold: Canada
- Silver: Sweden
- Bronze: USA
Paris 2024
Men’s:
- Gold: Spain
- Silver: France
- Bronze: Morocco
Women’s:
- Gold: USA
- Silver: Brazil
- Bronze: Germany
The Olympics football winner 2024 shows that Spain and USA are still very strong in global football.
Read about – Top Football Leagues in The World
More Football Action
Want to know more about football? Check out these helpful pages on 96in.com:
- Football Clubs in India – Learn about top Indian football teams.
- Football Tournaments in India – Know about I-League, ISL, Durand Cup, and more.
If you’re ready to try your luck, the 96 betting platform is perfect for live football betting and match predictions.
Conclusion
The Olympic Games have played a major role in global football. From the early years in 1900 to the recent Olympics football winner 2024, this tournament has given fans many moments to remember. The Olympic football winners list shows how football has grown over time, with both famous teams and surprise champions.
At 96in.com, we bring you everything you need to enjoy the beautiful game. Whether you’re reading about football clubs in India, placing bets on Olympic football, or checking match stats on the 96in.com app, we’ve got it all.
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FAQs – Olympic Football Winners
Who won the first Olympic football gold?
Great Britain won the first Olympic football gold medal in 1900.
Which country has won the most Olympic football medals?
In men’s football, Hungary and Brazil have won many medals. In women’s football, USA leads with multiple golds.
Is Olympic football as important as the World Cup?
No, the FIFA World Cup is more famous and considered the top football tournament. But the Olympics are important for young players and women’s teams.
Can professional players play in the Olympics?
Yes. In men’s football, players under 23 are allowed, with three senior players per team. In women’s football, all professionals can play.
Who is the current Olympic football winner?
For Paris 2024, Spain (men) and USA (women) are the current Olympic football gold medal winners.