3 exceptions per country
On Thursday, the men’s football tournament kicks off at the Tokyo Olympics. Among the teams qualified are 2016 gold medal winners Brazil and silver medal winners Germany. Among the players that Germany will take to the tournament are Bundesliga stars Max Kruse from Union Berlin, Maximilian Arnold from VfL Wolfsburg, and Nadiem Amiri from Bayer Leverkusen.
FIFA regulations clearly define the eligibility of players. “All players participating in the preliminary and final competitions of the Tournament shall be born on or after 1 January 1997,” FIFA stated under the category of player eligibility. “However, a maximum of three male players who do not meet this age limit may also be included in the official list of players for the final competition.” It is an exception that national team coaches like to add some experience to the otherwise very young squads. Despite the tournament being postponed by a year, FIFA has not changed the age category like it was the case at the U21 European Championships this summer.
From €3.2 million to €55 million. Transfermarkt’s most valuable over 23 players of the Olympic men’s football tournament.
The most valuable players aged over 23 at the Olympics
Close to the very top is former BVB midfielder, Mikel Merino. The Spaniard has become a key player for Real Sociedad and his market value has skyrocketed since he left the Bundesliga. The 25-year-old has made six appearances for the Spanish senior team. Not nominated for the European Championships, Merino will represent Spain at the Olympics instead.
Experience a key at the Olympics: Alves and Ochoa not among the most valuable overaged players
Not among the most valuable players is former Barcelona superstar Dani Alves from São Paulo. The 38-year-old has played 118 games for the Seleção and won the Copa América twice. The Brazilian is the oldest player at the Olympics. Experienced players will be key at the tournament. Eleven players are over 31, including Mexico‘s 36-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (110 caps). Because of their age, only a few managed to crack the ranking of the most valuable overaged players.
