Forward
Folarin Balogun
5'10"
The biography of USMNT player Folarin Balogun who plays his club soccer for AS Monaco in Ligue 1.
Caps: 17 | Goals: 5
Folarin Balogun joined the USMNT in the spring of 2023 as one of the program’s most highly-anticipated dual-national arrivals in recent history. The striker debuted in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal win over Mexico, then scored his first senior international goal in the final win over Canada, earning a place in the Nations League Finals Best XI. Born in New York and raised in London, Balogun was also eligible to represent England or Nigeria. He played for England and the United States at youth international level and was a particularly prolific scorer for England’s U-18s and U-21s. The Arsenal academy product signed his first professional contract with the Gunners in February 2019, made his first-team debut in October 2020 and scored his first senior goal a month later. Balogun engineered a breakthrough club campaign in 2022-23 on loan at Stade de Reims, scoring 21 goals for the French side in 37 Ligue 1 appearances. In August 2023, he signed with AS Monaco.
Photos by ISIPhotos.com
Credit: Robin Alam - ISIPhotos.comUSMNT Experience
2024
Started against Jamaica in the Nations League semifinals on Mar 21 and subbed on against Mexico on Mar 24. Started against Colombia on Jun 8 and subbed on against Brazil on Jun 12. Named to the Copa America roster. Started against Bolivia on Jun 23 and scored and Panama on Jun 27. Started against Uruguay on Jul 1. Started against Canada on Sep 7. Started against New Zealand on Sep 10.
2023
Started in the Nations League semifinal against Mexico on Jun 15 and the final against Canada on Jun 18 and scored. Started against Uzbekistan on Sep 9. Started against Oman on Sep 12 and scored. Started against Germany on Oct 14 and against Ghana on Oct 17 and scored. Started against Trinidad and Tobago in the Nations League on Nov 16. Started against Trinidad and Tobago on Nov 20.
Professional Experience
2023-24
Joined Monaco on Aug 30. Played in 29 games with seven goals, finishing 2nd in Ligue 1.
2022-23
Joined Reims on loan from Arsenal on Aug 3; played in 39 games and scoring 22 goals, ranking fourth in the Ligue 1 golden boot face as Reims finished 11th.
2021-22
Made his Premier League debut for Arsenal in August, one of two EPL appearances along with two EFL Cup appearances before joining Middlesbrough on loan in January. Made 18 appearances for Boro, scoring three goals.
Youth and College
Played in Arsenal's academy system.
