The Olympic football tournament in Tokyo will see a number of stars. Who is not missing from the nominations?

A total of 16 countries have qualified for the Olympic football tournament and are divided into four groups. It will be played in 6 Japanese cities from July 22 to August 7. Let’s take a look at the biggest stars that have been nominated.

First of all, let’s say that each country can nominate players born on January 1, 1997 and younger (up to 24 years old) and can add up to three older players.

Spain will undoubtedly be among the biggest favourites for the tournament. It has nominated six players who helped it reach the semi-finals at the recently concluded EURU.

Only 18-year-old FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri has been in the starting line-up in all the matches there. He was even included in the eleven of the tournament and voted the best young player of the EURA.

Other players who will be playing for Spain include Real Madrid midfielders Ceballos and Marco Asensio, Villarreal defender Pau Torres, Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón, Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Oyarzabal, Barcelona defender Eric García and RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo.

The gold will be defended by the players of Brazil. They have nominated, among others, Everton striker Richarlison and Sao Paulo defender Dani Alves, who boasts league titles with Barcelona, Juventus and PSG. He has won the Champions League three times, the Copa América twice and Olympic gold would be a fitting end to his career.

Mexico’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has already been to the Atlanta Olympics 17 years ago, he didn’t make the grade then, but now he should be a clear number one.

New Zealand’s team includes Matej Vydra’s Burnley teammate, striker Chriss Wood. He has already played in London, where he even scored a goal for Egypt.

Germany boasts plenty of promising youngsters. But their biggest star will be 33-year-old Union Berlin striker Max Kruse.

Mohamed Salah was also supposed to make an appearance for Egypt under the five rings. He even showed interest in representing, but apparently due to the demanding schedule of last season he did not get permission from Liverpool to start.

On the other hand, South Korea’s Son Heung-min was supposed to get permission from Tottenham, but the national team coach decided to shield him from a heavier workload.

The composition of the groups for the Olympic Games::

A – France, Japan, South Africa, Mexico

B – Honduras, South Korea, New Zealand, Romania

C – Argentina, Australia, Egypt, Spain

D – Brazil, Germany, Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia

Sources: Livesport, CT Sport