The Japanese media outlet, Soccer Zone, noted that during the quarterfinal match between Spain and Japan at the Olympics, despite an exciting contest on the field, large swaths of empty seats in the stands silently spoke to the awkward situation facing Olympic football.
The Japanese team, composed entirely of U23 players, has become a unique sight at this year’s Olympics. Although there had been plans to recruit overage players, these were thwarted by club refusals, leaving Japan to rely solely on its young talent. This decision reflects the underlying conflict between club interests and international tournaments.
A closer look at the current state of Olympic football reveals that the decline in its appeal is not coincidental. The tight scheduling, severe physical demands on players, and conflicts with club preparations have deterred many top stars from participating. Taking Spanish midfielder Pedri as an example, after continuous participation in both the European Championship and the Tokyo Olympics, he was sidelined for an extended period due to injury. This case serves as a warning to other players, making them more cautious about taking part in Olympic competitions.
The concerns of clubs are clear. Between the risk of player injuries and the priority of season performance, the latter usually takes precedence. This explains why superstars like Mbappé and Messi did not appear at the Olympic games. Even with relaxed age rules intended to attract star players who can guarantee ticket sales, in practice, this goal seems increasingly difficult to achieve.
The decline in audience interest is evident. At the Paris Olympics, aside from a few matches, such as those featuring the French team, most games suffered from low attendance, including the high-profile clash between Japan and Spain. This not only reflects fans’ discerning attitudes toward match quality but also exposes the limitations of Olympic football within the modern competitive landscape.
This summer, the concurrent staging of the European Championship and Copa America further diminished the allure of Olympic football, which lacks star power. If clubs continue to refuse to release players for the Olympics, teams will be unable to field competitive squads, and the value of Olympic football will only diminish, with little likelihood of improvement in the future.