Folarin Balogun’s path to becoming one of the USMNT’s key attackers has not followed the usual script, but those around him have long felt he was built for the biggest stage. Now at Monaco and set for another major international test, the 22-year-old is edging closer to the World Cup moment that has “always been on his radar”.
Balogun was born in New York City but grew up in England, where he came through Arsenal’s academy and built his early reputation as a ruthless finisher. Even then, coaches saw a striker comfortable with pressure, someone who wanted responsibility and demanded the ball in big moments. That belief only grew as his career gathered speed.
His breakout season came on loan at Reims, where he scored freely in Ligue 1 and showed he could lead the line against top-level defenders. The move put him on the map across Europe and made his international future a major talking point, with both the United States and England closely watching his next step.
Balogun ultimately chose the United States, committing to the USMNT and quickly becoming an important option in attack. Those close to the camp described a player who fitted in straight away, driven by a clear goal to make his mark at the highest level. Balogun has since made it clear he is not in the squad to simply make up numbers.
That ambition followed him into his next club chapter. After leaving Arsenal, Balogun joined Monaco, a move that gave him a platform in Ligue 1 and European competition, and another chance to grow his all-round game. At Monaco, he has continued to develop as a modern No.9, mixing sharp movement in the box with the work rate needed to lead the press.
What has always stood out is how Balogun speaks about the big stage. The World Cup is not a distant dream for him, but a target he has been thinking about for years. Those familiar with his story say that mindset has shaped him, from academy football to his rise in France and onto the international scene with the USMNT.
With the United States looking to build momentum and clarity in attack, Balogun enters this period knowing expectations will follow him. For a striker who has always aimed high, this feels like the kind of moment he has been preparing for all along.
