USMNT’s Folarin Balogun Reveals Accidental U.S. Birth

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA U.S. Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun has been doing the country proud in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, but the circumstances surrounding his birth mean he could have easily never had the chance. Speaking on his rise to playing for the national team on the biggest stage, Folarin said he believes it was destiny all along. The 24-year-old star will look to replicate his form as the U.S. aims to maintain its perfect streak in the group stage when it plays Türkiye on Thursday. Folarin Balogun’s USMNT Journey Almost Never Happened ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA As the USMNT pushes through its World Cup campaign, first-choice striker Folarin Balogun has been turning heads with his brilliant performances on the pitch. Yet, the story of how he came to wear the Stars and Stripes is easily one of the most remarkable and accidental origins in modern sports history. Balogun, who spent his childhood in England with his Nigerian parents, could have spent this summer leading the line for England or Nigeria. In fact, he played for England at the youth level before switching allegiance to the United States in 2023. The Unlikely Reason Balogun Was Born In America The only reason Folarin is eligible to play for the United States is because of an airline boarding policy that ultimately changed the course of his nationality. In 2001, his parents, Florence and Ben, were living in London but decided to take a summer trip to New York City to visit family. At the time, Florence was seven months pregnant with Balogun and hoped to make it back to the UK well ahead of her due date. However, when they arrived at the airport for their return flight, airline staff prevented her from boarding because she was so far along in her pregnancy. Florence stayed back in New York for a few months and delivered Folarin on July 3, 2001. Under U.S. birthright citizenship laws, the location of his birth automatically granted him American citizenship. Folarin Balogun Says His USMNT Story Feels Destined Speaking about the renewed interest surrounding his birth amid the ongoing World Cup, Folarin said he believes it all happened for a reason. “I’m very proud and very honored,” he told reporters earlier this week, per Reuters . “I ⁠feel like it’s happened in the way it has for a reason, and for me to go out there in the first game and score two goals and win, for me it’s beyond explainable how special and unique my story is to be in here.” According to the news outlet, he also explained that the attention surrounding his birth is understandable, as many fans seem eager to learn more about the players representing the country. “I’m very proud to be American and to represent America,” he said. “The story has picked up a bit of attention, but I think it’s expected. We’re at the World Cup, and it’s an opportunity for the fans to get to know more about us as players.” Folarin Balogun Says USMNT Reflects America’s Diversity ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Folarin’s story is one of several in