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Born in the USA and born for the big stage.
Folarin Balogun was America’s star on the opening night of their home World Cup, scoring twice in their thrilling 4-1 win over Paraguay.
For a country that loves to celebrate individuals in sports, the Stars and Stripes No. 9 is a fitting icon.
His journey has had twists and turns but there was an inevitability that Balogun would be the co-host hero in Los Angeles.
Balogun (20) celebrates USA’s third goal against Paraguay
His story began on the other coast, where a twist of fate saw him born in New York and thus eligible to represent the United States. His Nigerian parents flew from their home in London but, as his mother was heavily pregnant, were prevented from returning until after his birth.
Back in England, Balogun’s football talent was well documented as he progressed through Arsenal’s academy. There was buzz around Balogun who developed alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emil Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah at the Hell End.
Bukayo Saka and Balogun played together for Arsenal in the 2021 Carabao Cup
But, with first-team opportunities limited, it was a breakout loan at Reims in France’s Ligue 1 where Balogun made his first major impact in senior football. He scored 21 goals in 37 games. That summer, in 2023, Monaco moved in and offered Arsenal £35m. Too good to refuse – and an opportunity Balogun, hungry for action, was eager to take.
It was another decision he made in May 2023, though, that could truly define his career.
Balogun represented England up to U21 level but there was always talk of a switch to the USA, whose youth set-up he was part of. As the U21 Euros approached, Balogun flew to Orlando and after one-on-one meetings with US officials, decided to go stateside.
Balogun and Anthony Gordon are playing for England U21s in the summer of 2022
Three years removed from a World Cup in the United States, Balogun was suddenly on course for a starring role in Friday’s showpiece, a tournament that coincided with him entering the peak year of his career.
He scored his first goal for the United States in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final against Canada, and his path was set to start up front at the World Cup.
Timing is everything. And Balogun’s run of form towards the end of Monaco’s season primed him for his title-clinching night.
After the 2024/25 season was disrupted by injury, Balogun hit a hot streak in February, scoring twice against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, followed by a goal and assist against the European champions in Ligue 1.
Balogun scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain in Monaco’s Champions League play-off with the European champions.
Balogun found the net in eight consecutive league games as part of 11 goals in 14 matches to close the campaign. Then showed his sharpness in USA’s win over Senegal two weeks ago.
Against Paraguay, it all came together.
Two goals, finishing with panache over both legs, the New York-born striker, raised in London and thriving in France, took the World Cup by storm.
There is something of an irony that a player unable to cut through at Arsenal is now so important to former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. But it’s bigger than that.
The hosts have Christian Pulisic, aka ‘Captain America’. Now they have a star striker to celebrate – and dream of what they can achieve at this World Cup.
