Brooklyn Native of Yoruba Heritage Making U.S. Soccer Proud

Folarin Balogun

By Professor Sterling Haynes

Folarin Balogun is a young African American soccer player. Playing for the United States Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT). At the FIFA world Cup 2026 in Kansas City Missouri.

Balogun was born July 3rd, 2001, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Nigerian parents of Yoruba heritage. His family moved to London, and he was raised in England. The multicultural background made him eligible to represent the United States, England, and Nigeria.

At eight years old he joined the Arsenal academy after being scouted from Aldersbrook. Arsenal is a world class soccer academy. Their unique approach to education is three coaches in every age group.

A head coach and two assistant coaches. The head coach focuses on team tactics, playing style and team organization. One assistant coach focuses on individual techniques, football coordination and position specifics. Another coach handles decision making, game insight and positioning.

Balogun developed his playstyle into a forward position. An aggressive role for scoring goals. Throughout his career he has played national and international games.

In spring 2023, Balogun chose to represent the USMNT after attending a training camp in Florida citing fan support on social media as influential in his decision. Making his debut in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal vs. Mexico. June 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, starting in the 3-0 victory and playing 75 minutes. On May 26, 2026, Balogun was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He was known to say his favorite edition of the world cup is Qatar 2022. His team enjoyed the hospitality. During an interview with Bleacher Report Football @brfootball Bolgun would like Nigeria to host the world cup after 2034.

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was established on May 21, 1904, by seven national associations. Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The goal is to provide unity among national soccer associations.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. With billions of fans across the globe. Americans refer to soccer as soccer. Other nations commonly refer to the sport as football.

Cartoon Characters created by Sterling Haynes. Learn more at sterlinghaynes.com