Meet Balogun, striker released by FIFA after controversy involving Trump
Folarin Balogun is one of the United States' standout players at this World Cup, thanks to his attacking prowess and a unique personal story that has captured attention throughout the tournament.
Now, the striker is also in the spotlight due to FIFA's decision to suspend his one-game ban following his expulsion, making him available for this Monday's (6) round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun's career
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 3, 2001, Balogun obtained American citizenship at birth after his mother, Florence, seven months pregnant, was unable to board a flight back to London.
Son of Nigerian parents, he moved to England as a baby and grew up there, far from the United States, the country he would represent years later.
His football training took place in England. At the age of eight, he joined Arsenal's academy, where he became one of the club's most promising young players.
He also played for England's youth teams, keeping open the possibility of representing Nigeria or the United States on the senior team.
However, the striker ended up choosing the USA and debuted for the national team in June 2023, in a 3-0 victory against Mexico.
At club level, the striker left Arsenal in 2023 to join Monaco, where he improved his performance and was named Player of the Month in February. His evolution made him one of the main names in the American attack.
Folarin Balogun celebrating one of his goals for Monaco - Photo by Valerio Pennicino - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Key striker for the USA
Balogun's profile has soared at this World Cup. In the opening match against Paraguay, he scored two goals, becoming the first US player to score twice in his team's World Cup debut.
He was again instrumental in the 2-0 victory against Australia and entered the knockout stages as one of the main attacking threats for Mauricio Pochettino's team.
Against Bosnia, in the round of 16 stage, he scored a goal before being sent off, following a VAR review for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic, considered "serious".
Balogun case at the center of controversy
When everything indicated that he would serve an automatic one-game suspension, FIFA announced that Balogun will be able to play against Belgium.
The entity explained that its disciplinary committee applied Article 27 of its code, which allows the suspension of a sanction, partially or totally, for a probationary period.
In this case, the red card remains on his record, but the suspension is suspended for one year: if he commits a similar offense during that period, the sanction will be immediately reinstated, along with any new punishment.
The decision generated even more questions after US President Donald Trump spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino this week and asked him to review the punishment imposed on Balogun.
Trump publicly celebrated the decision on social media. The reversal also caused surprise in Belgium.
Following the announcement of his sanction relief, US coach Pochettino described FIFA's decision as "fair" and denied any involvement in efforts to reverse the sanction.
Balogun is the United States' top scorer at the World Cup, with three goals in four games.
Uefa blasts FIFA for releasing Balogun for the World Cup: "He crossed a red line"
Source: CNN