Can a striker who dazzled the World Cup now fade into obscurity? Just four months ago Folarin Balogun dominated headlines, netting a brace to launch the USMNT’s campaign against Paraguay.
His rise soured after a red card in the Round of 32 versus Bosnia, which knocked him out of the next round until a high‑profile appeal. A last‑minute collapse of a move to Everton added another twist, with reports that he felt mistreated by the Toffees.
Balogun’s limited minutes at Monaco
Since that episode, Balogun has slipped under the radar. A knee problem kept him out of Monaco’s opening four league fixtures, and because a summer exit was expected, he was omitted from the Conference League roster.
He finally returned on September 18, subbing in for Matthis Abline during the final 15 minutes of a 2‑1 home win over Lens. Subsequent appearances against Toulouse and Lorient saw him again come off the bench, and he added a ten‑minute cameo versus Lille.
Under new boss Filipe Luís, Balogun has yet to start. He’s logged just 71 minutes across four substitute outings, with no goals or assists to his name.
🎯 Folarin Balogun & Mika Bierreth’s goals secured the win over Pisa SC 💪 https://t.co/OCyfwxZNhO — AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) October 3, 2026
Will he finally break into the lineup next season?
Those stats don’t tell the whole story. Filipe Luís insists Balogun is “a special player,” noting the season is long and Monaco are only at the start, so chances will come. Moreover, the side has suffered just one defeat, last week to Lorient, giving the coach little reason to reshuffle a performing squad. In my view, Monaco’s patience with Balogun may cost them firepower.
A break could arrive soon. Ansu Fati’s six‑week hamstring layoff may open a slot, though Luís currently favors 20‑year‑old Paris Brunner and Matthis Abline to lead the attack.
Where Balogun lands when Mauricio Pochettino selects his roster for next month’s CONCACAF Nations League quarter‑final versus Haiti remains unclear. USMNT boss will likely favor strikers getting regular minutes and scoring, and Balogun isn’t delivering either.
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