The USMNT has seen immense progress in soccer in the last few years with some fine talents playing for the nation. One such star is their striker Folarin Balogun who chose to represent the Stars and Stripes despite some dilemma. The player has made waves being a part of some big teams such as Arsenal and AS Monaco. Growing through the youth ranks of Arsenal, Folarin Balogun’s breakthrough came in the 2022-23 season in which he scored 22 goals and earned a call-up to the USMNT.

As USMNT gears up for Copa America 2024, Balogun is expected to take this highly talented group to glory. However, credit goes to his mother for making Balogun the personality and the player he is. Let’s explore who Balogun’s mother is along with the other dear ones of the striker.

Parents of Folarin Balogun: All you need to know

Folarin Balogun, born on July 3rd, 2001, might be representing the USA, but he might also have had a chance to play for Nigeria. Balogun’s parents, father Ben and mother Florence, originally hail from Nigeria. Although not many details about his father’s profession are known, it is reported that his mother was an accountant when Balogun was growing up.

Folarin Balogun’s parents, reportedly, migrated from Nigeria to England but were on a family visit to New York when the Arsenal star was born in Brooklyn. His mother claimed they returned to London two months after Balogun was born, quashing the rumors that he was two years old when they shifted back to London. Reports further suggest that Balogun has two siblings, but details about his dating life have not surfaced yet.

Balogun’s mother encouraged him to play for the USMNT because of the warmth of the American fans and how desperately they wanted him. Despite an option to play for Nigeria and England, the 23-year-old decided to play for the USA and emphasized that his family was on the same page. His mother wanted him to do that, but Balogun said in an interview with ESPN that making the final decision was up to him and he felt playing for USMNT was the best choice he could make.

Balogun will be a crucial addition to the USMNT along with other attackers like Christian Pulisic. As they kick off their Copa America campaign against Bolivia tonight, can he make an impact to take his team to victory? Let us know in the comments.