Spain triumphed over France in an intense 5-3 victory to win the gold medal in the Paris 2024 Men’s Football Final. Substitute Sergio Camello was the star of the match, scoring twice in extra time to secure Spain’s first Olympic gold in men’s football since 1992.
France initially took the lead in the 11th minute with a goal from Enzo Millot. However, Spain responded quickly, with goals from Bryan López and Alex Baena, giving them a 3-1 advantage at halftime.
The host nation, France, fought back in the second half. Sofiane Diop’s substitute Akliouche narrowed the deficit in the 79th minute, and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s stoppage-time penalty equalized the score, pushing the match into extra time.
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In extra time, Spain showed resilience. Camello, coming off the bench, scored twice—once in the 100th minute and again in the 120th minute—sealing Spain’s 5-3 victory. His decisive goals ensured Spain’s triumph, ending their 32-year wait for Olympic gold.
Spain’s victory also marked a remarkable year for their football program, following wins in the UEFA Nations League and the European Championships at both senior and under-19 levels. France, despite their valiant effort, had to settle for silver, echoing their gold medal win 40 years ago at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Morocco, who defeated Egypt 6-0 in the third-place playoff, took home the bronze medal. The medal ceremony at Parc des Princes featured jubilant scenes as Spain celebrated their long-awaited victory, while Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” played in the background.
