Folarin Balogun Siblings: A Look at the Footballer’s Family Tree

Folarin Jerry Balogun is a professional soccer player who serves as a striker for Ligue 1 club Monaco and the United States men’s national team.

Born on July 3, 2001, in Brooklyn, New York, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba heritage, his birthplace resulted from an unplanned event during his mother’s pregnancy.

His parents, Ben and Florence Balogun, were living in London and visiting family in the US when airline staff prevented his heavily pregnant mother from boarding a return flight.

He spent his early months in New York before returning to London, where he was raised.

Balogun’s unique background, born in the United States, raised in England, and with Nigerian roots, made him eligible to represent three national teams before he committed to the USMNT.

Siblings

Folarin is the middle child in his family.

He grew up alongside an older brother named Royce Balogun and a younger sister.

Folarin has described his childhood positively, noting that for much of his early years it was mainly him and his brother before his sister arrived.

Royce has occasionally stepped into the public eye, notably appearing on the “What The Footie” podcast in 2021 to defend his brother after a challenging Premier League debut with Arsenal.

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Career

Balogun’s football journey began in London, where he joined Arsenal’s academy around the age of 10 after being spotted playing for a local side.

He progressed rapidly through the youth ranks, becoming a prolific scorer for the under-18 and under-23 teams.

He made his senior debut for Arsenal in 2020 and scored in European competitions, but opportunities in the Premier League were limited.

To gain first-team experience, he went on loan to Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship in 2022.

The following season proved transformative: loaned to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, he scored 21 or 22 goals in the league, setting a record for an American player in a top-five European league.

This breakout performance led to a permanent transfer to Monaco in August 2023 for around €40 million.

At Monaco, he has continued to impress, earning recognition as the club’s Player of the Season in 2025-26 and establishing himself as a key forward.

Internationally, Balogun initially represented England at youth levels but switched allegiance to the United States in 2023.

He debuted for the USMNT that year, scoring in the CONCACAF Nations League final, and has since become a central figure in the team’s attack, contributing to multiple Nations League titles.

Accolades

With Arsenal’s youth setup, Balogun won the Premier League 2 title.

At the senior level with Arsenal, he contributed to an FA Cup victory, Community Shields, and other pre-season honors.

With Monaco, he has added the Trofeo Joan Gamper and was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2025-26.

On the international stage with the United States, Balogun has won the CONCACAF Nations League in 2023 and 2024.

His individual achievements include consistent recognition as one of the top young talents in European football, highlighted by his record-breaking goal tallies during his time in France.