The best way to prepare for the men's and women's football competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is to relive the greatest events in Olympic football history. A youthful Lionel Messi deceiving opponents while en route to the gold? Please say yes. Legends of the USWNT winning in extra time in the championship? The men's tournament begins one day earlier, and the women's tournament goes from July 25 through August 10. The top ten moments in Olympic football history are listed below.

Top 10 Moments in the History of Olympic Football

The following are the top 10 moments in the history of Olympic football.

Neymar Guides Brazil to Victory in the Rio 2016 Gold Medal Game via Penalty Kicks

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Brazil made Olympic history by winning their first-ever gold medal at home in the Maracan Stadium. Neymar scored the game-winning goal in the thrilling penalty shootout against Germany following a key penalty that Brazil's Weverton had saved. The match was characterized by great pressure. Because it was a revenge match for Brazil's devastating 7-1 World Cup loss to Germany two years prior, this victory was very meaningful.

USWNT Wins First-Ever Olympic Women's Football Competition in Atlanta 1996 Before Record Crowd

A historic first, the USWNT's triumph in the inaugural Olympic women's football competition in Atlanta in 1996 was celebrated at home in front of a record-breaking audience of more than 76,000 spectators at Sanford Stadium. The legendary squad, which included athletes like Michelle Akers, Brandi Chastain, and Mia Hamm, amazed the country with their journey before defeating China to win the gold medal.

Under the direction of coach Anthony DiCicco, who went on to be inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame, the team not only won 2-1 because of the goals from Shannon MacMillan and Tiffany Milbrett, but they also made a strong impact on the global recognition and appeal of women's soccer.

USWNT Defeats Canada 4-3 in Thrilling Semifinal at Old Trafford, En Route to Third Consecutive Gold - London 2012

The thrilling semifinal match between the USWNT and Canada in London 2012 will live on in Olympic soccer history. The teams engaged in a dramatic match at Old Trafford, with Christine Sinclair's hat trick giving Canada the lead three times. But the USWNT, led by Megan Rapinoe and Abby Wambach, scored goals each time, displaying incredible performance.

Nigeria's "Dream Team" Creates History in Atlanta 1996 with an Incredible Gold-Medal Run

Nigeria's 'Dream Team' created history in Atlanta at the 1996 Olympics, amazing the globe with their breathtaking display on the worldwide arena. Under the direction of celebrities like Sunday Oliseh, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu, they surmounted low hopes and pulled off incredible comebacks to win gold. Even though Brazil was ahead in the semifinals, Kanu's bravery forced extra time, and he secured an exciting triumph there with a Golden Goal.

Beijing 2008: A Youthful Lionel Messi Leads Argentina to Consecutive Olympic Gold Medals

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Lionel Messi made his mark as a global celebrity by showcasing his extraordinary talent and leading Argentina to gold medal success for the second time in the games. Messi, who is only 21 years old, wowed opponents with his skill and vision, and he was a key component of Argentina's victory. This effort was a precursor to his incredible 200809 season at Barcelona, where he went on to become the world's greatest player after helping the team achieve a historic treble under Pep Guardiola's direction.

Beijing 2008: USWNT Clinches Gold in Extra Time with Carli Lloyd's Winning Goal

Overcoming early setbacks and injuries, the USWNT won the gold medal in women's football for the second time in a row at Beijing 2008. They played a great game against Brazil, led by future icon Carli Lloyd and rising star goalkeeper Hope Solo. Lloyd's spectacular goal in extra time sealed the win and demonstrated the team's skillset and willpower. With their victory, the United States of America maintained its leadership in women's football at the Olympics, reaffirming its position as the sport's dominant nation.

Spain Secures Gold and Host Nation Triumphs in Barcelona 1992

In the country's athletic history, Spain's legendary men's football victory at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona is still treasured. Throughout the competition, the Spanish team, captained by Barcelona icons Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, brought home spectators with their incredible performances. Spain won gold in the last seconds of a thrilling match at the legendary Nou Camp stadium because of a late goal from Kiko that gave them a remarkable victory over Poland.

Wambach Seals Victory: USWNT Triumphs Over Brazil in Athens 2004

The USWNT won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics because of Abby Wambach's memorable goal, which also launched her golden career. With her strong header from a corner, Wambach broke the previous record for the most goals scored by a US women's player in an Olympic competition and demonstrated her skill as a goal scorer.

USMNT Claims Fourth Place, Its Best-Ever Modern Olympic Finish

The United States Mixed National Team (USMNT) made history in Sydney in 2000 when they finished fourth, their best-ever result in a modern Olympics. In addition, a young player named Landon Donovan, who is only 18 years old, used the tournament as a springboard for his career. In addition to Donovan, a bright future ahead of them was paved by the success of a spectacular run to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002 and beyond.

Argentina Secures First-Ever Men's Football Gold Medal After Spectacular Victory Over Italy

Men's football champion Argentina won its first-ever gold medal at the Olympics in 2004 because of a strong performance and the top scorer, Carlos Tevez. Argentina won the tournament because of Tevez's outstanding play, which included a standout volley against Italy in the quarterfinals. Tevez also scored the game-winning goal against Paraguay in the final to complete the historic victory.

The Bottom Line!

As we get ready for the thrill of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, relive the highs and amazing victories of Olympic football. These ten moments capture the competition, skillset, and greatness on the biggest stage of them all, from Neymar's famous penalty kick to Argentina's golden moments led by giants like Messi and Tevez.