Folarin Balogun’s Journey: From London to Monaco and Choosing the USMNT

Florence Balogun, the mother of rising soccer star Folarin Balogun, had long advocated for her son to choose the United States as his national team. Despite England’s interest, where Folarin grew up, and Nigeria’s interest, the birthplace of his parents, Florence firmly believed that representing the country of Folarin’s birth, Brooklyn, was more than a mere coincidence. She considered it destiny, even correcting the misconception that Folarin had spent significant time in America during his early years. In fact, the family’s stay in America was only about two months, but the impact of his birth there would prove pivotal in his soccer career.

Since the era of Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, the U.S. men’s national team had been in search of a prolific goal scorer. Folarin Balogun, who seemingly emerged out of nowhere, caught everyone’s attention with his outstanding performances in Europe. His impressive loan spell at Ligue 1’s Reims, where he scored 21 goals in all competitions, paved the way for a permanent move to AS Monaco. After making his U.S. debut in June, he showcased his potential by scoring two goals in four appearances. Folarin’s mother, Florence, attributes this pivotal decision to her unexpected pregnancy trip to New York, as the airline refused to let her travel back to London due to her advanced pregnancy. This twist of fate left a lasting impact on her, and she was convinced that her son should play for the United States.

However, the ultimate decision lay with Folarin himself. He believed in choosing the team where his heart felt desired. The overwhelming support from American fans played a significant role in his choice, but, in the end, it was his own natural inclination that led him to choose to represent the United States.

Meeting Folarin on a warm day at AS Monaco’s training base, we delve into the remarkable changes in his life over the past year. His move to Monaco came after a successful year at Reims, a decision that surprised many given the club’s midtable status in Ligue 1. Nevertheless, this choice provided Folarin with trust, a platform, and the opportunity to display his immense talent. His meteoric rise, including 21 league goals, established him as one of the brightest young talents in European football. He had initially set the goal of scoring ten goals, a goal he significantly surpassed. The challenges he faced, both on and off the pitch, played a crucial role in his development and growth as a player and as a person.

Folarin’s journey abroad wasn’t without hardships. In the Reims locker room, he felt isolated due to the language barrier, which made him more introverted and inclined to listen rather than speak. However, the unwavering support of his family, including his parents and siblings, who traveled from London to attend games, provided the encouragement he needed. Florence Balogun made every effort to attend games despite her demanding job as an accountant, often making surprise visits to boost her son’s morale.

Over time, Folarin improved his communication skills and learned colloquial French, which made the integration into the team more comfortable. He expressed gratitude to the team and his manager, Will Still, for their support and down-to-earth nature.

In March, Folarin Balogun made a significant decision by committing to play for the U.S. men’s national team. He had made American fans excited to witness a leading European goal scorer taking the front line for the USMNT. His journey from London to Monaco, marked by resilience, determination, and support from his family, had culminated in this proud moment.

In June, he made his debut for the USMNT in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Mexico, a moment American soccer fans had eagerly awaited. The path that began with his birth in Brooklyn had led him to a new chapter in his soccer career, one where he would be a crucial part of the United States’ national team.