Everything you need to know about the Wolves players participating in the Olympic Games including who’s going, how to watch and more.
The summer of football has shown no signs of coming to an end. After the conclusion of the Euros and the Copa America, many footballers are now returning to their parent clubs to begin their pre-seasons.
Wolves began their pre-season tour this week after they travelled to the USA. While some players have been given an extended holiday, due to their previous footballing commitments others have now left the side to take part in the Olympic Games.
Below, Molineux News has listed all the information you need to know about the Games and how it affects Wolves.
Which Wolves players are playing in the Olympics?
For the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wolves have two players who have been called up by their nations to take part in the games.
The first is Boubacar Traore. The midfielder has been a squad player for the past two seasons at Molineux but is a regular for his national side Mali. In the 2023 AFCON, he was part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Ivory Coast. Now, Traore has rejoined his nation again this summer.
Also going to Paris this summer is youngster Enso Gonzalez. The 19-year-old signed for Wolves last summer and made his first appearance against Crystal Palace at the end of last season. Being a native Paraguayan he has also earned a call-up to the Games.
How does football at the Olympic Games work?
Football at the Olympics can be a bit complicated. Nations are only allowed to pick players under 23 years of age. However, three exceptions can be made.
Due to men’s football at the Olympics not being part of FIFA’s international calendar, clubs have the final say on whether a player can compete. This has resulted in many footballers who want to go to the Olympics being forced to stay.
For the tournament itself, in Paris, there are four groups which include four nations. The top two from each group progress to the knockout stages. The winner of the tournament will win a gold medal, with the loser earning a silver. There is also a bronze medal match between the two semi-final losers.
How long will Bourbacar Traore and Enso Gonzalez be at the Olympic Games?
The first group stage games kicked off on Wednesday night where Traore put in a solid display in a 1-1 draw against Israel in Group D. In the same group is also Paraguay who lost 5-0 to Japan in their opening game.
The group stages will last until July 30 with the quarter-finals starting on August 2 and the semi-finals on August 5.
If Traore or Gonzalez make it to a medal match, they can win bronze on August 8 or gold or silver on August 9.
How to watch Boubacar Traore and Enso Gonzalez at the Olympics?
The BBC has selected games available to watch through their channels which is free-to-air in the UK with a valid TV licence.
On top of this, Eurosport will broadcast every match and can be accessed through Discovery+. Subscription starts from £3.99 a month.