The United States men’s national team made a massive announcement on Monday that 21-year-old Stade Reims striker Folarin Balogun will make a one-time nationality switch to represent the U.S. instead of England.
FIFA approved the switch meaning Balogun could be playing for the Stars and Stripes as soon as the Concacaf Nations League semifinal vs. Mexico in June. Balogun has been electric in France’s Ligue 1 this season with 19 goals in 34 games (fifth best in the league).
Balogun was born in New York City to Nigerian parents and moved to England when he was two. He’s a graduate of Arsenal’s academy and is currently on loan from the Gunners with French side Reims. He's expected to land a big transfer this summer.
He represented both England and the U.S. youth national teams growing up.
His goal-tally of 20 in all competitions this season is more than any American across Europe’s top leagues.
“My decision to represent the United States, it came together with my family. We decided it would be the right thing for me, to represent the country I was born in. In the end it became a no-brainer, but for sure, it’s just something I wanted to do and it feels like I’m at home here,” Balogun said in an interview with the USMNT.
Folarin Balogun highlights
With 14 goals, #Ligue1UberEats top scorer @Balogun has bagged over half of @StadeDeReims' total this season!
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 2, 2023
Here’s how the USMNT Twitter-sphere reacted to the news of his nationality switch.
Folarin Balogun nationality switch reaction
LET’S MAKE HISTORY! pic.twitter.com/DIsf0tCYVY
— Balogun (@balogun) May 16, 2023
#AnnounceBalogun #AnnounceBalogun #AnnounceBalogun #AnnounceBalogun #AnnounceBalogun #AnnounceBalogun #AnnounceBalogun pic.twitter.com/cwH4f5XXtd
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) May 16, 2023
WELCOME HOME FOLARIN BALOGUN pic.twitter.com/95CbzyOABy
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) May 16, 2023
BALOGUN CREDITS ⚽️ SOCIAL MEDIA WITH CONTRIBUTING TO DECISION
Saying it was "nice to really feel that appreciation," new US striker Folarin Balogun talks about the role fans on social media played in his decision to join the USMNT.Have One, American Soccer Twitter. pic.twitter.com/z2IHns5sxd
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 16, 2023
all of USMNT twitter rn after getting Balogun pic.twitter.com/FtSmKFoMds
— Balogun Propaganda (@FootyMoments21) May 16, 2023
THESE BALOGUN PHOTOS ARE SO TOUGH.
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) May 16, 2023
Balogun ripping the 9 shirt off Ferreira’s back pic.twitter.com/1E7FtGH8Gw
— Gregg Beerholder (@MLShater) May 16, 2023
Flo sitting back and watching USMNT twitter go crazy pic.twitter.com/QRgceuA0S3
— Balogun Propaganda (@FootyMoments21) May 16, 2023
19 - Folarin Balogun has scored 19 goals in Ligue 1 this season. The only player in the 21st century to have done better in his first season in the French top-flight is Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30 in 2012-13). Switch. pic.twitter.com/PtpYXzRWwS
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) May 16, 2023
Let’s start harassing a head coach.
Mourinho?— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) May 16, 2023
Fans play a big part pic.twitter.com/uIIFerD18D
— Takes (@USMNTTAKES) May 16, 2023
