The best football players generally do not participate in the Olympics due to several key factors. First, FIFA imposes age restrictions on the men's tournament, requiring players to be under 23 years old with only a limited number of over-age players allowed, which diminishes its appeal seen as a 'glorified youth competition' [5]. Furthermore, club obligations play a significant role; clubs are not required to release players for the Olympics, especially since the tournament occurs outside the official international windows, leading clubs to prioritize their players' availability for domestic and continental competitions instead [5][1].

Additionally, the timing of the Olympics conflicts with the start of many leagues' pre-seasons, which is crucial for player conditioning and club preparations [1]. This conflict is compounded by the fact that major tournaments like Euro 2024 and Copa America occur in the same summer, making clubs reluctant to release their star players for a tournament perceived as less prestigious compared to these competitions [1][2]. Financial incentives also contribute to this trend, as club football typically offers greater earnings through broadcasting rights and sponsorship compared to the Olympics [2]. Overall, these combined factors create an environment where top players are unlikely to compete in the Olympics.

Why don't the best football players play in the Olympics?

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