Who is Folarin Balogun? Player history, position & USMNT stats

Folarin Balogun is arguably the best striker that the USMNT has right now. The 24-year-old has the potential to be one of the best forwards in Europe.

Who is Folarin Balogun?

Folarin Balogun represented England up to the Under-21 level. However, he then switched allegiances to the USMNT, where he had a greater chance of playing at the senior level. It is difficult for any striker to get ahead of Harry Kane in the Three Lions' pecking order.

His USMNT career started very well, helping the U.S.A. win the Nations League in 2023, where he scored in the final against Mexico. Balogun went on to win the tournament with the Stars and Stripes again the following year.

Balogun has been a key player for the USMNT since 2023. However, his career has been disrupted by a bad shoulder and ankle injuries. If Balogun can stay fit, then he will be a real asset to the USMNT for years to come.

Folarin Balogun's player history

Despite being born in New York City, Balogun grew up in England and began his career with Arsenal. However, he made just 10 appearances for the Gunners at senior level.

Whilst with Arsenal, Balogun was sent on loan to Middlesbrough. However, this spell was not so successful as he scored just three goals in 21 games for the Championship side.

It was in France where Balogun made a name for himself. His loan move to Stade de Reims saw him score 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 games. Despite this, Mikel Arteta still did not give Balogun a chance in Arsenal's first team. However, he was linked with top sides across Europe before he joined AS Monaco.

Balogun has gone on to star for Monaco in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. In total, he has scored 30 goals and recorded 13 assists in 87 games across all competitions for the French side so far. However, he is yet to win any silverware in a country where most of the trophies are vacuumed up by Paris Saint-Germain.

Folarin Balogun's playing style and USMNT stats

Balogun has been compared to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright by Gunners legend Martin Keown. He is predominantly a center-forward, but has been deployed in a second-striker role.

His real asset is his pace and his ability to score with both feet. It may not have worked out for him in English soccer, but he has found his level in France.

Balogun is competing with the likes of Ricardo Pepi and Patrick Agyemang for a starting spot on Mauricio Pochettino's roster for the World Cup this summer.

The player who grew up in England could be a star for the United States this summer. AS Monaco appears to be a good club for him right now, but there are often rumors about a potential return to the Premier League.