In 1900 and 1904, football was introduced as an exhibition sport and became the first team sport included in the Olympic Games. Since 1908, the sport has been held at every Olympic Games with the exception of 1932 in Los Angeles.

Europe clearly dominated the competitions until 1992, when Spain became the last European team to win a gold medal.

Since the introduction of women's football in 1996, the USA won the gold medal in 1996 and 2004, but was beaten in the final by Norway in 2000.

(BOCOG)