Spain have been crowned men’s Olympic football champions at Paris 2024, defeating hosts France 5-3 after extra time at the Parc des Princes.
The gold medal match was a rollercoaster of comebacks, with Spain fighting back from a goal down to lead 3-1 at half-time, only for France to equalise and force extra time, before Spain ultimately secured victory.
Enzo Millot fired France ahead on 11 minutes, but Spain responded emphatically as Fermin Lopez equalised in the 18th minute before doubling his tally seven minutes later. Alex Baena then added a third in the 28th minute, giving Spain a commanding lead at the break.
Thierry Henry’s French side mounted an incredible late comeback. Michael Olise’s free-kick reduced the deficit in the 79th minute before Jean-Phillipe Mateta coolly converted a 90th-minute penalty to force extra time.
Despite France’s momentum, it was Spain who struck decisively in the additional period. Substitute Sergio Camello emerged as the hero, scoring twice to seal Spain’s triumph.
His first came after 100 minutes, before he chipped the onrushing Guillaume Restes in the final moments following a long clearance from Spanish keeper Arnau Tenas.
The victory marks Spain’s first Olympic football gold since Barcelona 1992 and comes just a month after their triumph at the European Championship.
This Olympic glory caps a remarkable period of success for Spanish football, which has seen them win the European Championship in 2024, the Under-19 European Championship in 2023, and the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Spain’s recent run of victories cements their status as a dominant force on the international stage, showcasing the depth and quality of talent across all levels of Spanish football.
