Thiago Silva, Ryan Giggs, Luis Suarez and Aboutrika are some of the big names at the London Olympics.

The 2012 London Olympics will be an opportunity for accomplished football stars to shine. However, there are unknown talents eager to prove their mettle to the watching world and budding stars finally getting their chance on an international stage to treble their transfer value and secure a big money move to a top team. The men's football tournament at the 2012 Olympics therefore is sure to be a spectacle that will give even the most unheard of footballer a chance to shine. Among the household names at the London Olympics are players like Britain’s Ryan Giggs, Thiago Silva, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and a host of other players like Neymar, Alexandre Pato, Hulk, Juan Mata, Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba, Iker Muniain, Edinson Cavani and Daniel Sturridge.

Dame N’Doye

Among the burgeoning talents is Senegal’s Dame N’Doye. Dame N'Doye is having no luck breaking into the senior Senegal team. The 27-year-old will have the perfect chance to prove his worth to his country at the Olympics, having been selected as one of three over-age players in the Senegal side. The forward has never played for the under-age national teams, but he has five goals in 14 caps for the senior team, and at club level is an even better goal-getter. He's scored 82 goals in 150 games so far for current club FC Copenhagen, and has broken the 20-goal barrier in his past three seasons in Denmark. A prolific striker at club level, N'Doye has a point to prove, both to his country and to big teams across Europe.

Aubameyang

Despite their modest opposition in Group B, Gabon will be given no hope by pundits, journalists and fans alike. But if one player can turn the odds in their favour, it's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 23-year-old Saint-Etienne forward has had a stellar season for both club and country. In February, he was a key member of the Gabon side that reached the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations, scoring three goals in the tournament. For his club, he scored 16 goals and made seven assists in Ligue 1 last season. Possibly Gabon's best ever player, the team will be worth watching at the Olympics thanks to Aubameyang.

Jack Butland

Jack Butland is likely to be the starting goalkeeper for Team GB at the Olympics. The 19-year-old Birmingham City shot-stopper provided back-up to Joe Hart for England at Euro 2012, and it is believed he could challenge Manchester City 'keeper for a starting role at the World Cup in 2014 if he gets regular game time. A decent tournament he should have, with Butland able to show off all facets of his game the matches with Senegal and UAE will test his communication and concentration, while facing Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani of Uruguay will put his shot-stopping ability to the test. With this competition the springboard that could kick-start his career, it's certainly worth keeping track of Butland's progress.