Spain claimed the men’s Olympic football gold at the Paris 2024 Games, defeating France 5-3 in a thrilling extra-time match at the Parc des Princes on Friday, August 9. The final, filled with drama and excitement, saw Spain secure their first football gold medal since Barcelona 1992, just a month after being crowned European Champions.
The match was electric from the start, with France’s Enzo Millot opening the scoring in the 11th minute. Spain quickly responded, with Fermin Lopez equalizing in the 18th minute. Lopez struck again in the 25th minute, and Alex Baena added a third goal just three minutes later, putting Spain firmly in the lead.
However, France, led by coach Thierry Henry, wasn’t ready to give up. Michael Olise’s free-kick in the 79th minute cut the deficit, and a penalty converted by Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 90th minute brought the score to 3-3, sending the match into extra time.
In the additional period, Spain’s Sergio Camello, a second-half substitute, scored in the 100th minute to regain the lead. Despite France’s relentless attack, Spain’s goalkeeper Arnau Tenas launched a long ball forward in the final moments, which Camello calmly chipped into an empty net, sealing the 5-3 victory in the 120th minute.
Meanwhile, Morocco made history by winning their first-ever Olympic medal in football, defeating Egypt 6-0 on August 8 to claim the bronze. Soufiane Rahimi starred in the match, scoring twice and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals.
This gold medal victory marks a significant achievement for Spain, capping off a remarkable tournament run.
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