Folarin Balogun’s story spans three countries. He was born in New York to Nigerian parents, grew up in London and came through the academy at Arsenal. When it came to choosing a national team, he could have played for England, Nigeria or the United States. After a breakthrough season in France, scoring goals for Reims, he chose the United States in 2023. His decision made headlines on both sides of the Atlantic and in Nigeria.
Arsenal's academy and Reims
Balogun was born on 3 July 2001 in New York City. His family moved to London when he was young, and he grew up there. He joined Arsenal’s academy as a boy and rose through the youth teams, earning a reputation as a clinical finisher. Balogun made appearances for Arsenal’s first team but found it hard to break through. He went on loan to Middlesbrough in the Championship.
In the 2022-23 season he joined Reims in France on loan. He scored around twenty Ligue 1 goals, one of the best scoring seasons by a young player in the league that year.
The USA decision and Monaco
Balogun had played for England’s youth teams. In 2023, he decided to switch to the United States, the country of his birth. He made his debut for the United States in 2023 and soon became a regular choice in attack. Later in 2023 he joined Monaco in a permanent transfer from Arsenal, giving him a chance to play regularly in Ligue 1 and European competitions.
Balogun has spoken about his Nigerian heritage and family. His decision disappointed some Nigerian fans who hoped he would join the Super Eagles. He is a quick, mobile striker who makes runs behind defences and finishes with both feet.
Injuries and the dual-nationality debate
Injuries have at times disrupted his progress, limiting his appearances in some seasons. With the United States co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, Balogun was among the players expected to lead the attack. His choice added to a wider conversation about players with Nigerian heritage born or raised abroad. Nigeria has persuaded some, while others have chosen the countries where they grew up or were born.
Folarin Balogun could have played for the country he grew up in or the one his parents came from. He chose the one on his birth certificate.
