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USMNT striker Folarin Balogun, just 22 years old, wishes he had made the decision to represent the United States on the international stage sooner, reported by GOAL. In May 2023, Balogun announced his commitment to the U.S., having previously played for England's Under-21 team. His choice came after a closely watched tussle for his loyalty between the two countries. Since switching to the U.S., Balogun has been impressive, scoring goals and helping the USMNT secure victory in the CONCACAF Nations League.
In a recent chat on the “Offside with Taylor Twellman” podcast, Balogun expressed his regret about not choosing the U.S. earlier: “I'm so disappointed I didn't do this sooner. The vibes here are just amazing. Everybody is so passionate. Of course, the coaching staff and everybody are so friendly; they made me feel so welcome. It's all good news.”
Balogun's club career also saw a move recently as he left Arsenal, a Premier League giant, for Monaco in Ligue 1. It's been a challenge to balance his club commitments with international duty, but he's staying positive: “It can be difficult because you are sorting things out at your new club and then you've got to go 10 hours across the globe to link up with the national team. But for me, it's been good. It's been an opportunity to sort things out from afar. Of course, I'm happy to be with the team, so it's a good thing the international break.”
After helping the USMNT win the Nations League, Balogun returned to the squad for friendly matches against Uzbekistan and Oman. Sharing his experience, he said, “I'm definitely a bit more comfortable seeing my teammates. I'm enjoying every moment here, and it's a pleasure and an honor to be called up.”
Folarin Balogun's decision to embrace his American heritage has not only revitalized his career but also ignited excitement on both sides of the Atlantic as fans eagerly follow his promising journey.
