Five nations who have won most gold medals in men's football at Olympics

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These nations have been among the most successful teams at the Summer Games.

Football is an integral part of the Olympic Games. Contested by both men’s and women’s national teams in separate categories at the Olympics, football has been part of the quadrennial event since 1900. At Tokyo Olympics 2020, Brazin beat Spain 2-1 in extra-time to clinch the gold medal. It is Brazil's second gold medal in Olympics history and seventh overall Olympics medal in men's football.

The gold medal at Tokyo Olympics also make Brazil the most prolific side in men's football with their seven medals still unmatched. Brazil have now won two gold medals, three silver and two bronze medals at the Olympics in men's football. However, despite their achievements at Tokyo Olympics, Brazil are not the most successful team in men's football at Olympics.

Here are teams that have won the most number of Olympics gold medal wins in men's football.

Brazil - 2 gold medals

Brazil won their second Olympics gold medal after beating Spain 2-1 in the gold match in Tokyo. This was Brazil's second consecutive gold medal after the success at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Malcom scored the winner for Brazil in extra-time after both sides remained locked at 1-1 in regulation time.

The Selecao had beaten Germany in Rio to clinch the gold medal. Brazil won that game via a penalty shootout after both sides remained unseparated on 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. In the shootout, Brazil scored from all of their five, while Germany could only convert four.

Uruguay - 2 gold medals

Uruguay is one of two countries from South America, who feature in the top five teams to have won the most Olympic gold medals in men's football. They won gold at the 1924 and 1928 Games successively. 

The Olympics in 1924 were held in Paris and Uruguay overcame Switzerland in the final by a 3-0 scoreline. At the following edition in Amsterdam, Uruguay defeated Argentina in the gold medal match by a 2-1 score in a rematch.

Argentina - 2 gold medals

Argentina has also won two gold medals at the Olympic Games. They won their gold during the 2004 and 2008 Games. Like Uruguay, Argentina also clinched the gold in successive Olympic Games

La Albiceleste defeated Paraguay by a solitary goal in the final of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Later at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, Argentina beat Nigeria by the same scoreline, thanks to the winner from Angel Di Maria.

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Also Read: Top 10 athletes to have won the most medals at the Olympics

Soviet Union - 2 gold medals

Before its dissolution, the Soviet Union was a strong force in the world of football, specifically at the Olympics. They won gold medals on two occasions, at the 1956 and 1988 Games. Moreover, they have five overall medals, trumping Argentina’s four. 

The 1956 Olympics were held in Melbourne, Australia, where the Soviet Union beat Yugoslavia 1-0 in the gold medal match. India finished fourth in this edition after losing the bronze medal match to Bulgaria. Later at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the Soviet Union beat Brazil by a 2-1 scoreline to clinch their second gold in football at the Olympics.

Related: Five highest goalscorers in men’s football at the Olympics of all-time

Great Britain - 3 gold medals

Great Britain won their three gold medals during the initial years of the football tournament at the Olympics. They won golds at the 1900, 1908 and 1912 Games.

The 1900 Games were the first to introduce football and Great Britain overcame France and Belgium to win the gold. The 1908 Olympics in London, saw them clinch gold again by beating Denmark in the final. They defended their feat in the next edition at the 1912 Olympics in Sweden.

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Hungary - 3 gold medals

Hungary also have three gold medals to their name, however, they have more total medals (five) compared to Great Britain (three). The Hungarians were gold medal winners at the 1952, 1964, and 1968 Games. 

Their first triumph at the 1952 Olympics held in Finland came at the expense of Yugoslavia in the gold medal match. The next achievement was at the 1964 Olympics in Japan, after Hungary defeated Czechoslovakia in the final. They defended their crown at the next edition, the 1968 Olympics in Mexico by beating Bulgaria in the final.

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