Folarin Balogun Snubs UK And Nigeria, Chooses USA

Folarin Balogun of Arsenal has shifted his allegiance from England to the United States, according to FIFA.

The 21-year-old, who was born in New York and is presently on loan at the French side Reims, has played under-21 level for England but has chosen to play senior international football for his native homeland.

A FIFA spokesperson told the PA news agency said: “The change of association of the player Folarin Jolaoluwa Balogun from England to the USA has been approved.”

Balogun called his decision a “no-brainer” choice, following US Soccer’s confirmation of the transition.

He told US Soccer’s official website: “My decision to represent the United States came together with my family.

“In the end, it became a no-brainer, but for sure it’s just something I wanted to do and it feels like I’m at home here.

“To represent the United States means a lot, more than people would know. I’m very proud and honoured to have this opportunity, and I want to give everything I have to make our team successful.”

The announcement comes just a few weeks before England is scheduled to begin their finals campaign at the European Under-21 Championship in Georgia and Romania.

Balogun has made 13 appearances for Lee Carsley’s team. However, an injury forced him to withdraw from the team in March.

Balogun, who was born in America and relocated to England when he was two years old, is also eligible to represent Nigeria because of his parents.

Qualified players are permitted to change associations before they have participated in a competitive match for a country’s senior squad.

Balogun spent the second part of the 2021–22 season on loan at Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough after making 10 first-team appearances and scoring twice for the Gunners. With 19 goals in 34 games so far this season, he has also established himself in Ligue 1.