Folarin Balogun’s Return to the USMNT
Folarin Balogun, a striker for AS Monaco and a member of the United States men’s national team (USMNT), expressed his enthusiasm for showcasing his talents during his first national team training camp in a year. At 24 years of age, Balogun has recently battled various injuries, including a shoulder issue that necessitated surgery, which kept him from competing under the management of Mauricio Pochettino until now. With upcoming matches scheduled against South Korea and Japan, Balogun sees this as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“With Mauricio’s arrival, the objective is straightforward; he aims to elevate the entire team,” Balogun mentioned in a conference call with journalists. “Naturally, as players, we know we need to fight for our positions. Making an impression is essential, especially with such a significant tournament approaching in just ten months.”
Overcoming Challenges
Recently, Balogun has overcome a calf injury that had hampered him but managed to score his inaugural goal of the season for Monaco in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Strasbourg last Sunday. He now feels physically fit and mentally prepared, attributing part of his positive mindset to the supportive atmosphere created by Pochettino and the coaching staff.
“I’m feeling well now,” Balogun stated. “The injuries are behind me, and while it was a challenging phase, I believe every athlete encounters such struggles. The first impressions of Mauricio and his coaching crew have been incredibly welcoming, and the feedback from my teammates has been great. Everyone is excited about having them onboard, which is encouraging for all of us.”
Rejoining the National Team
Balogun also acknowledged the mental challenge of rejoining the USMNT after such an extended absence. “It’s essential to strike a balance between wanting to impress and not overthinking your performance because that can complicate things further,” he noted. “When I wasn’t selected for the camp, my priority was simply staying healthy. If you’re not on the field, you cannot contribute. Now, I believe I’m in good form and ready to compete for my place, as I have throughout my career. That balance has become instinctive for me.”
Building Team Chemistry
Finally, he commented on the need to build rapport with teammates he has yet to play alongside.
“I believe our shared high-level training and experience as footballers will facilitate a quick adjustment. Particularly as forwards, it’s our responsibility to foster creativity and find various ways to penetrate defenses, so I’m confident that connecting with my new teammates will come naturally and swiftly. I’m eager to get on the field with everyone.”
In light of Balogun’s recovery and renewed readiness, his performance in the upcoming international fixtures could be pivotal as the national team prepares for the global stage.
