What to know about USMNT star Folarin Balogun amid red card controversy
U.S. Men's National Team star Folarin Balogun has been at the center of a firestorm of attention over the past several days, after his massively successful start to the World Cup was stunted by a since-overturned red card suspension.
The striker, who leads the U.S. with three goals, was sent off during the USMNT's round of 32 match versus Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday after a controversial tackle.
The red card resulted in an automatic one-game suspension for Balogun for Monday night's match versus Belgium.
FIFA announced Sunday, however, that Balogun's suspension had been put on hold for one-year probationary period, pending behavior.
As the star player plans his return to the USMNT lineup Monday night, here are five things to know about Balogun.
1. Balogun was born in the United States while his parents were on vacation from England
The star of U.S. Men's National Team is an American citizen by way of chance.
According to ESPN, in 2001, Balogun's mother Florence Balogun, then pregnant with the future soccer star, was on vacation in the United States and was refused travel back to London by her airline.
"My belly was so massive," she told ESPN.
Instead, Florence Balogun stayed in Brooklyn, where she gave birth, automatically granting Folarin Balogun U.S. citizenship.
The family returned to England shortly after Folarin Balogun's birth.
"I had him in July and by the end of August we were back in London," Florence Balogun told ESPN.
"I don't believe things happened by luck," she added. "I think for me to have gone to America and for me to have had him there, it is just something that has really stuck with me. Even when he wasn't even thinking of making an international decision, I'd already made up my mind that he is going to play for America."
2. Balogun plays for AS Monaco
Folarin Balogun plays club football for AS Monaco, which is part of the French Ligue 1, where he recorded 13 goals and four assists last season.
His turn with AS Monaco began in 2023 and followed a brief stint with Middlesbrough in England and Reims in France.
In his youth, Balogun also played for the England youth national teams.
3. Balogun was eligible for 3 World Cup teams and chose the US
According to his bio on the USMNT website, Balogun was eligible to represent the national teams of either the United States, England, or Nigeria during this World Cup, as he was born in the U.S., raised in England and is the son of Nigerian parents.
The website notes that Balogun chose the United States after a spring 2023 U.S. training camp, where he showed appreciation for U.S. fans.
"I just remember [an] immense amount of appreciation from the fans," Balogun told The Athletic last month about his time in the U.S.
"I didn't realize at that moment how big football-soccer was out here in America," he added. "To really feel that in full force was something that was inspirational for me. It made my decision easier."
4. LeBron James has showed support for Balogun this World Cup
Balogun's high level of play this World Cup has caught the attention of stars outside the world of soccer.
NBA icon LeBron James recognized Balogun on X last week, congratulating the striker for his opening goal against Bosnia.
Speaking to reporters later, Balogun called the recognition "surreal."
"We're all athletes at the end of the day, you know, representing our country, trying to make the nation as proud as possible," he said. "So, you know, I think we should be united and, you know, America is a stronger force when when we're united."
5. Balogun joined one of England's top club teams at very young age
As a 10-year-old, Balogun joined Arsenal's academy after being scouted, according to an interview he gave to the club in 2018.
Prior to Arsenal, Balogun was playing for Aldersbrook, a Sunday League team, according to his USMNT bio.
The soccer star eventually worked his way up the Arsenal system, sticking with the youth club until his 2020 debut with the first team.
