South American Olympic men’s football qualifier: Four young players to watch as nations compete for Paris 2024 berths

For avid fans of football, the men’s 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament not only offers the opportunity to find out which two South American nations will compete at Paris 2024 but also the chance to see the rising talents of a continent that has produced the likes of all-time greats including Pele, Maradona and Lionel Messi.

With the Olympic football competition essentially an U-23s competition, this year’s qualifier will feature some of the most exciting young stars in world football - all competing with one single goal: to secure a coveted ticket to the Games in France.

From a Brazilian phenomenon who has already signed papers with Real Madrid to a young Argentine talent who has been called the next Messi, Olympics.com brings you four of the most exciting players at the South American Olympic men’s football qualifier to keep an eye on.

Endrick, 17, Brazil

While the name Endrick may have already made it onto sports pages across the globe following the announcement of his signing by Real Madrid at the end of 2022, the upcoming CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament will offer many the first opportunity to witness his talents first-hand.

Endrick burst into the public consciousness as a 16-year-old playing for club side Palmeiras, when a battle between some of the world’s biggest clubs ended with him signing a contract with Real Madrid that will see him move to the Spanish giants when he turns 18 in July 2024.

Since then, he has gone on to establish himself in the heart of the Palmeiras first team, scoring 11 goals as his club clinched the Brazilian Serie A title last year.

Inevitably, the comparisons with other Brazilian greats have followed, with sports writers in his home country calling him the next Pele. And while his 1.72m height and battling approach to the game have had some suggesting he shares more in common with Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, the striker’s versatility and abundant skillset mean he could end up playing in several positions across the front line in his future career.

Endrick was called up for the senior national team for two matches in 2023 where he enjoyed only limited game-time. However, much is expected of him at the upcoming South American Olympic qualifier in Venezuela where he may well be asked to lead the line for his country.

Claudio Echeverri, 18, Argentina

While Brazil’s Endrick has drawn comparisons to Pele, it is perhaps no surprise that Argentina have someone in their ranks who has been hailed as the next Lionel Messi.

River Plate’s Claudio Echeverri may only be 18 but he is already making a name for himself as one of the most feared young footballers in the game. Unlike Messi, Echevrri is right-footed, however attacking midfielder certainly shares the same quick feet as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and his ability to dribble deftly through defences using his low centre of gravity makes him a favourite for YouTube highlight reels.

Echeverri was one of the stars of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup where he scored all three goals in a quarter-final victory over arch-rivals Brazil. El Diablito (the little devil), as he has been nicknamed, is now rumoured to be closing in on a move to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Thiago Almada, 22, Argentina

Another young Argentine making waves in the world of football is Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada.

While still only 22, Almada is already a history-maker, having become the first-ever player from the MLS to win the World Cup after being named in the Argentina squad that triumphed in Qatar in 2022.

While he has four senior caps (and one goal) to his name - including one in that World Cup campaign, Almada will be expected to shine in the U-23 Olympic qualifiers where he will be one of his country’s key players. With 12 goals and 16 assists for Atlanta during the past season, the rising star is a prolific attacking threat who is as comfortable providing goals as he is scoring them.

Oscar Cortes, 20, Colombia

Another midfielder shining away from home is Colombia’s Oscar Cortes. The 20-year-old was signed by French Ligue 1 side Lens in July 2023 and scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over Stade de Reims later that year.

Having made his way into the game with Colombian club side Millonarios, Cortes shone in the 2023 edition of the South American U-20 Championship where his country finished third.

While he only has a single cap for the senior national team, his four goals from 13 appearances in the U-20s mean he will be one to watch as Colombia aim for the final of the Pre-Olympic qualifier in Venezuela that would secure their place at Paris 2024.