“Next Up is Hattrick for the States” – Thousands of American Fans Urge French League Topscorer, Who Is Ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, to Play for USMNT

French league’s 21st matchday concluded this mid-week. A sensational hatrick from an Arsenal loanee saw him peep the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar to become the top scorer in the league after 21 matchdays. However, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun, who is currently the top scorer in Ligue1, has made American soccer fans react.

The question arises why are American soccer fans reacting to the English soccer star hat trick? Balogun, who currently plays for the England U-21 side internationally, is American-born and is eligible to play for the USMNT. The 21-year-old joined Arsenal at the age of eight and is with the club since then. Currently, he is on loan at French side Reims and scored four goals in his last two appearances, with a vital equalizer against PSG last weekend. 

American fans react to a recent hat trick by French league starlet

Folarin Balogun, on loan from Arsenal, is in great form in Ligue1 this season. He has amassed 14 goals in 20 appearances so far and is the top scorer in the league ahead of Kylian Mbappe, who missed a penalty mid-week before going off injured. 

American fans are already calling for Balogun to shift to play for USMNT, who lacked goals during the FIFA World Cup campaign. One fan wrote, “Next up is a hat trick for the states,” replying to the player’s tweet. Many fans think Balogun is the missing piece in the USMNT, and US Soccer should persuade the youngster to play for the country soon.  

One of the US soccer fans was proud of the hatrick scored by the Ligue1 top scorer. On the other hand, another Twitter user reminded the fans of the deadly trio upfront for USMNT with Balogun, Christian Pulisic, and Gio Reyna.

Folarin Balogun scores hattrick to trump Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe

Balogun was on 11 goals after matchday 20, with Messi also on 11 and Mbappe on 13. However, Balogun scored an important 20-minute hattrick in the midweek game against Lorient to give Reims vital three points after going down 2-0 in the first half. 

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Mbappe had a splendid chance to go level with Balogun but saw his penalty saved mid-week and went off injured inside half an hour. With Mbappe sidelined with injury, Reims’ starlet can stretch his lead at the top if he continues the goal-scoring form. 

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Do you think Folarin Balogun should opt to play for USMNT ahead of England? Will it be a good move for USMNT ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?