Christian Pulisic is widely considered the face of U.S. men’s soccer and the American national team competing on home soil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the team’s 4–1 group round win over Paraguay belonged to another star: striker Folarin Balogun.
The 24-year-old scored two U.S. goals in the June 12 match and bolstered hopes this year’s team could actually be a factor in the elimination rounds of the tournament. In doing so, Balogun left a significant impression on the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).
“You look at our team and how dynamic we are, he fits in, he fits in perfect,” teammate Tyler Adams told ESPN FC after the U.S. win over Paraguay.
“I mean, he had two or three chances. He had two goals. Like, that’s exactly what we need in these moments.”
While Balogun might be the breakout star for the USMNT, it wasn’t even a guarantee he would suit up for the red, white, and blue in the World Cup. Here’s why, plus everything else you need to know about Balogun.
Balogun was born in Brooklyn and holds dual citizenship
Folarin Balogun was born on July 3, 2001, to parents Ben and Florence Balogun, in Brooklyn, New York. Both were originally from Nigeria but residents of London by the time they had their son.
Florence told ESPN in 2023 she traveled to New York on vacation when she was seven months pregnant, and the airline refused to allow her to fly home to London. She stayed with her sister-in-law in a two-bedroom apartment until she and her new son were healthy enough to fly back.
“I don’t believe things happened by luck,” Florence said. “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.”
Balogun, who grew up primarily in London, told Fox Sports he visited an aunt in Atlanta when he was 8 years old, but otherwise has vague memories of the U.S. from his childhood.
Because of his birth in Brooklyn, Folarin holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and the United Kingdom based on birthright citizenship. He was also eligible to play for both England and Nigeria at the World Cup, but ultimately committed to the USMNT in 2023.
He became a soccer phenom in England by age 10
Balogun joined the Arsenal Academy, the youth program of London’s Premier League team Arsenal F.C., when he was 10 years old. He quickly became one of the sport’s top young prospects, according to ESPN.
He primarily played for English teams through his teenage years, but also suited up for the U.S. Under-18 program. Starring for England’s U-21 squad, he scored seven goals—including a streak of six in five games—in European U-21 Championship qualifying.
However, he never caught on with Arsenal’s top-level team. He instead played on loan to Middlesbrough in the U.K. and Reims in France before securing a permanent deal with AS Monaco FS in France’s Ligue 1. He still plays with the club when he’s not competing for the USMNT.
He’s a fan of Formula One and table tennis
Move over, Timothée Chalamet—there’s another emerging table tennis star.
Balogun might not have the same level of training as the Academy Award-nominated Marty Supreme actor, but he did list the sport as his second-favorite in an interview with USSoccer.com.
Living in Monaco, Balogun has also been able to enjoy one of the biggest auto races of the year—the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix—from his balcony. His favorite is team Ferrari and its drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Balogun is also a fan of America’s pastime—baseball—and the New York Yankees. Rather than current slugger Aaron Judge, he cites Hall of Fame member Babe Ruth as his favorite player. “Obviously, I didn’t grow up with him, but he’s an iconic sports figure,” he said.
Balogun had the best U.S. World Cup match in almost a century
Balogun made his USMNT debut on June 15, 2023, at the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Mexico. He scored three days later in the title-clinching win over Canada, an early sign of his success in clutch moments.
Even with previous stars such as Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey suiting up for the stars and stripes, Balogun managed to make history when he scored two goals against Paraguay.
The striker became the first U.S. player to score two or more times in a single World Cup contest since Bert Patenaude in 1930. Coincidentally, Patenaude’s hat trick (three goals) also came against Paraguay.
Balogun might challenge you in a friendly, really
When he’s not playing with Monaco, Balogun splits much of his free time between New York City and London, he told Fox News. He also plans to live in NYC once his career ends.
He enjoys a fair amount of anonymity—at least he did before his huge match at the World Cup—and isn’t afraid to lace up his cleats with strangers.
“I was in Manhattan, looking out from my hotel, and I could see a small football pitch where locals were just playing. I had a shower, took my boots, and just asked if I could play. They didn’t know who I was,” he said.
“It just sums up the city, though. It’s just so free. That’s the sort of thing I love, to just feel like a normal person and go do whatever.”
When Do Folarin Balogun and the U.S. Team Play Next?
Balogun and the USMNT continue group play on Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET with a match against Australia in Seattle.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
