Folarin Balogun Shatters USMNT Records with Historic Champions League Masterclass Against PSG
United States men's national team forward Folarin Balogun delivered an unforgettable performance, netting twice for Monaco against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout stage playoffs, establishing multiple USMNT milestones along the way.
The 24-year-old forward found the net for his team within the opening minute of Tuesday evening's match, marking the quickest goal ever scored by a USMNT player in the tournament's history.
After completing his double just 18 minutes into the game, Balogun became the inaugural USMNT player to net twice in a Champions League knockout match. This achievement also established Balogun as the new record holder for most goals by a USMNT player in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing Christian Pulisic with his fifth strike of the season at Europe's premier level.
Previously this season, Balogun had already made history as the first U.S. player to find the back of the net in three straight Champions League matches. Despite PSG's comeback with three unanswered goals to take control of the tie before next week's return leg, the former Arsenal academy product is delivering the finest individual Champions League campaign ever by a USMNT player.
Balogun Responds to USMNT Striker Competition Challenge
Balogun Responds to USMNT Striker Competition Challenge
Balogun's record-breaking Champions League display also stands as a powerful statement in the battle to become the USMNT's first-choice striker for the 2026 World Cup.
Patrick Agyemang reached his 10th goal of the campaign in the EFL Championship for Derby County over the weekend. Meanwhile, fellow Championship and USMNT striker Haji Wright delivered a memorable hat-trick on Monday to propel Coventry City to the summit of the standings.
However, considering the platform and caliber of opposition, Balogun's Tuesday night showing stands significantly more impressive.
Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted reviewing the recent displays from his primary striker options. With the World Cup rapidly approaching, the leading contenders to spearhead the attack for the Stars and Stripes during the tournament are flourishing.
However, there's no doubt that Balogun is presently the clear frontrunner to be the starting striker when the USMNT face Paraguay on June 12 to kick off their World Cup campaign.