The World Cup may be the pinnacle of international football, but the Olympic Games holds plenty of prestige as well. That's especially true of the women's tournament, which is a senior event, as opposed to the Under-23 format on the men's side.
Football was first included in the Olympic Games in 1900 and has featured at every edition since, except for 1932, while women's football has been a feature of the Games since 1996.
Some of the best players in the world have graced the competition over the decades, but which teams have been most successful? GOAL takes a look at the men's and women's teams with the most Olympic gold medals...
Which men's football team has won most Olympic gold medals?
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary | 3 (1952, 1964, 1968) | 1 (1972) | 1 (1960) |
| Great Britain | 3 (1900, 1908, 1912) | 0 | 0 |
| Brazil | 2 (2016, 2020) | 3 (1984, 1988, 2012) | 2 (1996, 2008) |
| Argentina | 2 (2004, 2008) | 2 (1928, 1996) | 0 |
| Soviet Union | 2 (1956, 1988) | 0 | 3 (1972, 1976, 1980) |
| Uruguay | 2 (1924, 1928) | 0 | 0 |
| Yugoslavia | 1 (1960) | 3 (1948, 1952, 1956) | 1 (1984) |
| Spain | 1 (1992) | 3 (1920, 2000, 2020) | 0 |
| Poland | 1 (1972) | 2 (1976, 1992) | 0 |
| East Germany | 1 (1976) | 1 (1980) | 1 (1972) |
| Nigeria | 1 (1996) | 1 (2008) | 1 (2016) |
| France | 1 (1984) | 1 (1990) | 0 |
| Czechoslovakia | 1 (1980) | 1 (1964) | 0 |
| Italy | 1 (1936) | 0 | 2 (1928, 2004) |
| Sweden | 1 (1948) | 0 | 2 (1924, 1952) |
| Belgium | 1 (1920) | 0 | 1 (1900) |
| Mexico | 1 (2012) | 0 | 1 (2020) |
| Canada | 1 (1904) | 0 | 0 |
| Cameroon | 1 (2000) | 0 | 0 |
Hungary and Great Britain hold the record for most Olympic gold medals in men's football with three golds each. As well as winning gold in 1952, 1964 and 1968, Hungary also won silver in 1972 and bronze in 1960. Great Britain, which does not always compete in the Olympics football tournament, won gold in 1900, 1908 and 1912.
Argentina, the Soviet Union and Uruguay follow with two golds each, with the Argentines also winning silver twice and the Soviets earning bronze on three occasions. Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were part of Argentina's 2008 Olympic gold-medal winning team, while Carlos Tevez was a key player for the Albiceleste in 2004. Javier Mascherano was part of both teams.
Brazil have won the most Olympic medals overall, with two golds, three silvers and two bronze. Neymar, Rafinha and Gabriel Jesus were part of Brazil's gold medal-winning side in 2016.
Fourteen teams have won gold once, including traditional heavyweights such as Spain and Italy. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was part of the former's lone success, having played in the team of 1992 alongside Luis Enrique and Alfonso.
While no African team has yet won the World Cup, two of the continent's representatives have won Olympic gold, with Nigeria clinching it in 1996, followed by Cameroon in 2000.
Which women's football team has won most Olympic gold medals?
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| USWNT | 4 (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012) | 1 (2000) | 1 (2020) |
| Germany | 1 (2016) | 0 | 3 (2000, 2004, 2008) |
| Canada | 1 (2020) | 0 | 2 (2012, 2016) |
| Norway | 1 (2000) | 0 | 1 (1996) |
With four gold medals, the United States are the most successful team in the history of women's football at the Olympics. The sport was first introduced to the Games in 1996 and the U.S. have been a dominant force, winning four of the first five tournaments, picking up silver in the second edition.
USWNT stars Tobin Heath, Mia Hamm, Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo are two-time gold medallists, while Shannon Boxx, Christie Rampone, Heather Mitts and Heather O'Reilly are three-time winners.
The other women's football teams to win gold are Norway (Sydney 2000), Germany (Rio 2016) and Canada (Tokyo 2020). The Germans have three bronze medals too, while Canada have won two and Norway boast one. Brazil and Sweden have two silver medals, while China and Japan have each finished second once.