Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi has made history at the Paris 2024 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, securing the top scorer award with an impressive tally of eight goals.
The Al Ain forward’s achievement was confirmed as the tournament concluded on Friday, with Spain defeating France to win the gold medal.
Rahimi’s standout performance throughout the competition was capped by a brace in Morocco’s 6-0 demolition of Egypt in the bronze medal match on Thursday.
This victory not only secured Morocco’s first-ever Olympic football medal but also allowed Rahimi to display his remarkable goal-scoring ability one last time in the tournament.
The 28-year-old made history by becoming the first player to score in six consecutive matches at the Olympic Games, underscoring his consistent form and critical role in Morocco’s successful campaign.
Although the Atlas Lions narrowly missed out on the final, Rahimi’s efforts ensured a historic bronze medal for his nation.
His impact was felt beyond just his goal tally; his overall play and leadership on the pitch were instrumental in Morocco’s success.
Teammate Ilias Akhomach praised Rahimi after the bronze medal match, stating, “Rahimi is great, he’s something else. I’ve played alongside him in other competitions. I knew what he was capable of, and we had a very good understanding between us at these Games. He has had an excellent tournament.”
Rahimi’s extraordinary feat has drawn comparisons to Morocco’s inspiring run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.