Career Timeline of Folarin Balogun: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Folarin Balogun, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Folarin Jerry Balogun is a professional soccer player, currently playing as a striker for Ligue 1 club Monaco and the United States national team. As a striker, his role focuses on scoring goals and leading the attack. He represents the United States internationally, showcasing his talent on a global stage. Balogun's career highlights his skills as a goal scorer in professional soccer.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Liam Brady Cup Victory

In 2017, Balogun was an integral part of Trevor Bumstead's Arsenal U16 side that won the Liam Brady Cup, defeating Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Juventus.

August 2018: Call-up from United States Under-18 National Team

In August 2018, after playing for England at the under-17 level, Balogun accepted a call up from the United States under-18 national team for a training camp and a tournament in the Czech Republic.

February 2019: Signing a Professional Contract

In February 2019, Folarin Balogun signed a professional contract.

2019: Appearance for England Under-18 National Team

In 2019, Balogun appeared and scored for the England under-18 national team in a tournament in Dubai.

July 2020: Linked with Transfer Away from Arsenal

In July 2020, after failing to agree to a new contract with Arsenal, Balogun was linked with a transfer away from the club, including a proposed £8 million move to Brentford.

October 2020: Appearance for England Under-20

In October 2020, Folarin Balogun made an appearance for the England under-20 against Wales.

October 29, 2020: Senior Debut in Europa League

On October 29, 2020, Folarin Balogun made his senior debut in the Europa League, coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute in a group stage match against Dundalk.

2020: Promotion to Arsenal's First Team

In 2020, Folarin Balogun was promoted to the first team of Arsenal, where he had been a Hale End academy prospect. He featured sparingly for the club.

April 26, 2021: Signing a New Long-Term Contract

On April 26, 2021, Folarin Balogun signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

August 27, 2021: First call up to the England under-21 team

On August 27, 2021, Balogun received his first call up to the England under-21 team.

September 7, 2021: England U21 debut

On September 7, 2021, Balogun made his England U21 debut as a substitute during the 2–0 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification win over Kosovo under-21s at Stadium MK.

January 12, 2022: Joining Middlesbrough on Loan

On January 12, 2022, Folarin Balogun joined EFL Championship club Middlesbrough on a loan deal until the end of the season.

August 2022: Loan Move to Reims

In August 2022, Folarin Balogun moved on loan to French club Reims.

October 2022: Open to playing for Nigeria

In October 2022, Balogun said he was open to playing for Nigeria.

2022: Loan to Middlesbrough

In 2022, Balogun went on loan to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough.

January 29, 2023: Goal Against Paris Saint-Germain

On January 29, 2023, Balogun scored a late goal in stoppage time to seal a 1–1 draw away to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

May 2023: Decision to Play for the United States

In May 2023, Folarin Balogun decided to represent the United States senior national team.

May 16, 2023: FIFA Approval to Represent the United States

On May 16, 2023, FIFA approved Folarin Balogun's application for a switch to represent the United States national team.

June 2023: Debut and First Goal for the United States

In June 2023, Balogun made his debut for the United States senior national team and won the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, scoring his first goal in the final.

August 2023: Signing with Monaco

In August 2023, Balogun left Arsenal and signed with Monaco for €40 million ($43 million).

August 2023: Interest from Other Clubs

In August 2023, upon his return to Arsenal for the 2023–24 season, Balogun stated he would not leave the club again on loan and was reported to have attracted interest from Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Monaco.

August 30, 2023: Signing for Monaco

On August 30, 2023, Ligue 1 side Monaco announced the signing of Balogun on a five-year contract.

2024: Copa America and Racial Abuse

In 2024, Balogun was selected to the USMNT's roster at the 2024 Copa America, where he scored in matches against Bolivia and Panama. Following the game Balogun, along with teammates Weah, Chris Richards and Weston McKennie, suffered racial abuse from online trolls.